Data compiled by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics shows, Pakistan’s exports of textile and clothing rebounded in April mainly due to value-added sectors and posted a robust growth of 231.17 per cent from a year ago.

The highest growth in exports in April is due to low-base of last year when export-oriented industries remained closed due to the COVID-19 lockdown and cancellation of orders from international buyers. As a result of this low base, growth was reflected in value-added and non-value added textile products.

During July-April, the value of Pakistan’s textile and apparel exports reached $12.692billion against $10.816billion over the corresponding months of last year, showing a growth of 17.35pc.

Product-wise, exports of ready-made garments increased by 12.56per cent in value, followed by knitwear 30.69per cent, bedwear 24.66per cent and towels 27.18per cent during 10MFY21. Pakistan and China’s apparel exports posted a substantial growth to United States compared to regional countries during the past few months.

According to the PBS data, the export of cotton yarn grew by 164per cent in April from a year ago. However, export of cotton yarn posted a negative growth 4.03per cent in 10MFY21.

The exports of cotton cloth revived and posted a growth of 200.44per cent in April from a year ago. In the non-value-added sectors, exports of tents and canvas were up 21.86per cent followed by art and silk which increased by 10.52per cent, made-up articles excluding towels and bedwear were up 22.22per cent and other textile products saw an increase of 39.24per cent during the 10-months under review.

Between July and April, the overall exports reached $20.905billion as against $18.398billion over the corresponding months of last year, indicating a growth of 13.63per cent.