Pakistan’s textile exports to the European Union rose by 21.3 per cent during fiscal year 2015. Cotton exports increased by 4.43 per cent. Footwear exports increased 12 per cent, carpet and rug exports increased by 17.35 per cent.

During the first three quarters of the current fiscal year (2015-16), overall imports into the country declined by 4.22 per cent compared to the corresponding period of last year. Imports into the country during July to March 2015-16 were recorded at 32.515 billion dollars compared to the imports of 33.948 billion dollars during July to March 2014-15. Exports from the country also witnessed a negative growth of 12.92 per cent by falling from 17.921 billion dollars last year to 15.606 billion dollars during the current year.

Overall trade deficit during the period under review was recorded at 16.909 billion dollars compared to the deficit of 16.027 billion dollars last year, showing an increase of 5.50 per cent. Total textile exports increased from 5,45,698 metric tons in 2013 to 6,62,475 metric tons in 2015. Among textile products, exports of textile garments increased from 1,37,399 metric tons to 1,79,901 metric tons in 2015, showing an increase of 31 per cent while homemade textile exports increased from 1,95,243 metric tons to 2,59,557 metric tons in 2015, showing a growth of 33 per cent.