Pakistan’s exports of textile and clothing increased 0.86 per cent during the first quarter of the fiscal year. Knitwear exports grew 9.8 per cent, exports of cotton cloth increased 0.09 per cent. Bed wear exports from the country increased by 2.89 per cent. Exports of tent canvas and tarpulin increased 3.54 per cent. Exports of made up articles, excluding towels and bed wear, increased 0.34 per cent.

Raw cotton exports dropped 76.21 per cent while exports of cotton yarn decreased 2.25 per cent. Exports of towels fell 0.55 per cent and exports of readymade garments decreased by 1.55 per cent.

On a yearly and monthly basis textile exports in September recorded a decrease of 4.91 per cent and 18.53 per cent when compared to exports during September 2017 and August 2018 respectively. 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 more 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. For Pakistan revival of idle capacity in the textile industry would be a top priority.