Exports of textile articles from Pakistan grew 3.16 per cent in July 2019 as compared to July 2018. Carpets and other textile floor coverings export was up 8.79 per cent while apparel and clothing accessories (knitted or crocheted) export went up 6.57 per cent. Exports of articles of apparel or clothing accessories (not knitted or crocheted) increased 11.08 per cent. Made-up textile articles export went up 3.85 per cent while that of manmade filaments grew 22.89 per cent. Exports of manmade staple fibers increased 8.08 per cent. Exports of other vegetable textile fibers (paper yarn etc) increased by 145.28 per cent.

On the other hand, silk exports declined 44 per cent and wool, fine or coarse animal hair, horse hair yarn decreased 80 per cent. Cotton exports dipped 2.99 per cent. Exports of wadding, felt and non-woven, special yarn, twine also decreased by 97.11 per cent.

Globally competitive Pakistani exporters remain few and far between. The economy still centers around production of cotton, a commodity, while manufacturers have been slow to embrace automation. But those that have gained a global foothold may benefit from the country's depreciating currency -- the rupee has lost a third of its value in the last two years, which makes Pakistan exports cheaper.