Pakistan’s textile industry saw lower export earnings in August 2026 after a stronger July. Official data from the State Bank of Pakistan show that textile shipments fell compared with the previous month, though they remained slightly higher than the same month last year.
Textiles continued to form the biggest part of the country’s overall exports during the month. Knitwear, other made-up textile products, ready-made garments and cotton were the main items sold abroad. Most of these categories recorded some decline from July levels, even as a few posted modest gains when compared with August 2025.
Total goods exports under the balance of payments also slipped both from the previous month and from a year earlier. The food and related products group ranked second among major export categories and showed solid year-on-year growth, while other segments such as leather goods and certain instruments also improved.
The monthly drop in textile earnings comes after a strong opening to the new fiscal year. Industry watchers note that demand from key markets and production costs continue to shape results. Despite the short-term dip, textiles remain the backbone of Pakistan’s export earnings and a vital source of jobs and foreign currency for the economy.
Key Textile Export Figures – August 2026 (SBP data)
| Item | Value (USD million) | MoM Change | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Textile Exports | 1.43 billion | –12.48% | +1.99% |
| Knitwear Apparel | 443.91 | –6.57% | –0.78% |
| Other Made-up Articles | 429.96 | –13.05% | +3.43% |
| Readymade Garments | 343.24 | –14.79% | +4.02% |
| Cotton | 180.11 | –18% | +4.9% |
| Total Exports (BOP) | 2.46 billion | –17.59% | –1.12% |
| Textile Share of Total | 58.32% | — | — |