As against $1.48 million in the corresponding period last year, Pakistan’s knitwear exports grew by 19 per cent to $1.76 billion in the first four months of the current fiscal year, spanning July-Oct’24-25, show latest figures from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

Knitwear remains the largest segment within Pakistan's textile exports, underscoring its pivotal role in the country's overall export performance. The nation’s overall textile exports rose by 10.44 per cent during the July–Oct’24 period to $6.15 billion compared to $5.57 billion in the previous year.

This growth in knitwear exports was accompanied by significant growth in other textile categories. Second-largest contributor to Pakistan’s textile exports, RMG expanded by 25.4 per cent to $1.36 billion from $1.08 billion during the same period in FY24. Bedwear exports also increased by 13.17 per cent to $1.07 billion from $945 million in the corresponding months last year. This growth reflects the diverse appeal of Pakistan's textile products, which continue to draw interest from international buyers.

Experts attribute the rise in knitwear exports to several key factors, including enhanced compliance with global quality standards, increased production capacity, and growing demand for winter apparel in major markets such as the United States and Europe. Additionally, government incentives for exporters and relatively stable energy supplies have also helped boost the sector's performance.

However, the export sector continues to remain sensitive to shifts in global demand, rising production costs, and currency fluctuations. To maintain its growth momentum, it needs a sustained policy support and infrastructure development, emphasise analysts.

Going forward, growth in this key sector will be ensured by a continued collaboration between the government and industry stakeholders.