Pakistan’s textile and clothing exports grew 26.08 per cent year-on-year to reach $12.60 billion during the first eight months of this fiscal year (8MFY22). As per thr Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, growth was spurred by a massive depreciation in the rupee’s value and a steady rise in global demand.

Ready-made garments exports jumped 25.11per cent in value and 20.54 per cent in quantity for the period spanning July-Feb FY22. Meanwhile, knitwear exports surged 33.86 per cent in value and 4.75 per cent in quantity. Bedwear exports grew 20.34 per cent in value and 17.28 per cent in quantity. Towel exports increased 17.26 per cent in value and 5.56 per cent in quantity whereas cotton cloth exports rose by 28.23 per cent in value and 13.01 per cent in quantity.

Among primary commodities, cotton yarn exports grew 34.40 per cent and yarn made from material other than cotton went up 105.59 per cent. Exports of made-up articles — excluding towels — rose by 9.91per cent, while those of tents, canvas and tarpaulin dipped by 12.48 per cent during the period under review.

The import of textile machinery jumped 78.52 per cent in 8MFY232, reflecting expansion or modernization in the textile industry. Raw cotton imports declined 11 per cent, followed by synthetic fibre 14.28 per cenmt and synthetic and artificial silk yarn was down 6.29 per cent, respectively. However, import of worn clothing increased by 46.82 per cent.