Pakistan’s textile exports fell 0.49 per cent in July 2018 compared to the same month a year before. Export of cotton cloth decreased by 9.94 per cent. Exports of bed wear decreased by 3.56 per cent. Tents, canvas and tarpaulin export declined 4.73 per cent. Exports of readymade garments decreased 0.46 per cent. Exports of art, silk and synthetic textiles contracted 16.02 per cent. Exports of made-up articles went down by 6.91 per cent.

However, there was an increase of 7.62 per cent in exports of cotton yarn. Exports of yarn other than cotton yarn increased by 73.74 per cent in July 2018 compared to July 2017. Exports of knitwear were higher by 7.78 per cent while exports of towels were higher by 0.51 per cent. Exports of other textile materials increased by 3.24 per cent in July 2018 compared to July 2017.

Textile exports make up around 60 per cent of the country’s total exports. The textile sector has the largest share in Pakistan’s exports. Pakistan’s competitors are upping the ante on textile exports to make inroads into newer global markets. While China’s share in global textile exports is 36 per cent, Vietnam contributes 12.4 per cent, and Pakistan seven per cent.