Pakistan's textile and garment exports have been experiencing numerous challenges. The global economic slowdown has adversely affected textile exports for major supplier countries, including Pakistan. Additionally, political unrest within the country has disrupted daily life and economic activities. 

The exports of textile group contributed 58.98 per cent in Pakistan’s total goods exports of $23.242 billion during first ten months of current fiscal. Last year, the share was 60.89 per cent in the total exports of $26.246 billion during the corresponding period of last year. 

Category-wise, knitwear exports slipped by 11.99 per cent year-on-year to $3,712.10 million during the period under review, while exports of non-knit readymade garments were down 9.63 per cent to $2,904.69 million. 

As for textiles, cotton yarn exports decreased by 36.71 per cent to $636.83 million, while exports of cotton fabric fell 16 per cent to reach $1,684.72 million in July-April 2023. Bedwear exports declined by 17.51 per cent to $2,249.78 million during this period, the data showed. 

On the import front, synthetic fibre imports decreased by 38.38 per cent year-on-year to $389.94 million, while imports of synthetic and artificial silk yarn dropped by 32.36 per cent to $487.26 million during the same period. 

Meanwhile, the value of textile machinery imports by Pakistan in July-April 2023 decreased significantly by 55.32 per cent year-on-year to $302.44 million, showing a drop in new investments. 

In fiscal 2021-22 ended June 30, textile and garment exports from Pakistan increased by 25.53 per cent to $19.329 billion over $15.399 billion in the previous fiscal. In fiscal 2019-20, the exports amounted to $12.526 billion. 

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)