Pakistan’s textile exports contributed more than 50 per cent to the country’s total exports during the last fiscal year. The country’s textile exports rose 9.82 per cent in the first eleven months of the current fiscal year. In May, total exports were up a staggering 32.4 per cent year on year but they were marginally up 0.52 per cent month on month. The country’s total exports rose 15.3 per cent in the July-May period.

Cotton yarn exports in May increased 41.3 per cent year on year, knitwear exports rose 39.2 per cent, bed wear exports surged 27.9 per cent, readymade garment exports climbed 23.99 per cent while cotton cloth exports were up 22.08 per cent over the same month a year earlier.

However, Pakistan's competitors have set targets for textile exports while Pakistan remains far behind. The country is only getting spillover orders and that would stop coming once competitors increase their capacity. Restoration of competitiveness of the export-led industry is a must to regain the lost share in the international marketplace.

The currency lost around 14 per cent since December last year following the depreciation against the dollar. Exporters say an enabling environment would aid in a surge of exports.