Pakistan’s textile exports grew 7.17 per cent during July to February of the ongoing financial year. The growth enhanced the country’s overall exports during the period. These results have been achieved due to export-friendly policies and renewed efforts toward seeking better market access. The positive trend in the international demand and exchange rate correction are also expected to help sustain this rising trend in the coming months.

The main growth driver was the value-added textile sector. Exports of readymade garments went up 13.08 per cent. Exports of knitwear increased 13.3 per cent. Exports of bedwear went up 4.51 per cent in value terms. Exports of made-up articles, excluding towels, increased 7.32 per cent. Art, silk and synthetic textile exports grew by 80.08 per cent. Exports of cotton yarn witnessed an increase of 1.87 per cent and exports of cotton cloth recorded growth of 0.04 per cent.

However, exports of cotton carded tumbled by 97.87 per cent. Exports of tents, canvas and tarpaulin also declined 39.49 per cent. On the other hand, imports went up by 17.09 per cent during the first eight months of the current financial year as against the same period last year.