Pakistan’s Textile Exports Slow Down in November 2025, Growth Stands at 2.73% in 5MFY26
The textile exports of Pakistan recorded a sharp slow down in November 2025; this had an effect on the growth rate of exports during the initial five months (July to November) of FY 2025-26, which stood at 2.73%, as revealed in recent statistics released by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
What Happened in November?
The month of November proved challenging for the textile sector due to increased demand in the global market,
• There was a decline of 12%
• It recorded a fall of 2.57 %
• Export value decreased to $1.42 billion
o October 2025: $1.62 billion
o November, 2024: $1.46 billion
This marked a fall from the positive trend shown earlier during the year.
Overall Performance in 5MFY26
Although there was a fall in November, the cumulative value of textiles exported between July and November in FY26 was $7.82 billion, marginally up from $7.61 billion in the previous year. It is apt to say that the growth, although present, is Smarty and fragile.
Segments That Still Showed Growth
Certain core categories within the textiles sector fared relatively well during the first five months of FY26:
• There was a 5.74% increase in knitwear exports to $2.30 billion
• Bedwear exports rose by 5% and totaled $1.39 billion
• Readymade garments registered an increase of 6%, reaching $1.79 billion
These numbers indicate a demand, but the momentum needs to be sustained to ensure overall growth.
Global Concerns Related to Exports
The textile industry is currently Pakistan’s major foreign exchange earner; therefore, this decline sparks concern. The overall export figures for July to November FY26 fell by 6.22%, to $12.87 billion, from $13.72 billion in FY25 during this period. This is due to lowered demand in international markets as well as increased production costs in these markets.
What Needs to Be Done?
According to industry experts, for export of textiles to stabilize in 2025 and beyond, Pakistan needs the following.
• Increased and more stable government policy support
• Increased energy availability and production efficiency
• More access to overseas markets
• Fast refunds, financing, and facilitation of exports
Final Thoughts
The November trend is more indicative of a warning signal, as the Pakistani textiles industry has potential, although it has to be competitive in terms of costing in order to remain on the growth trail. If this problem is tackled, the industry will be able again to play its effective role in the Pakistani export-oriented economy in FY26.