May 2025 textile export update, what’s really going on?

Pakistan’s textile exports showed a mixed picture last month. Here’s what’s happened and why it matters.

Total exports in May 2025:

$1.53 billion

That’s down 2% compared to May 2024, but there’s good news too, exports went up 25% compared to April 2025. So, while year-on-year numbers are slightly down, we’re seeing strong recovery month-on-month.

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What’s behind the YoY decline?

Some key textile categories saw major drops in exports compared to last year:

• Cotton Yarn: ▼ 34%
• Cotton Cloth: ▼ 22%
• Bedwear: ▼ 3%
• Towels: ▼ 11%
• Tents & Canvas: ▼ 11%

This decline pulled the basic textile category down by a massive 24%, with total basic textile exports reaching just $181 million.

Why the drop? A mix of weaker global demand, pricing pressures, and higher costs of raw materials locally have been key challenges.

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What’s holding things up?

There’s a silver lining!

The value-added segment, which includes finished products like stitched garments and designer wear, showed a 2% increase YoY, bringing in $1.2 billion. Other textile items (like silk, made-up articles, etc.) also rose to $177 million.

These numbers show that Pakistan’s strength lies in value-added textiles rather than raw materials and that’s where the future opportunity is.

What changed month-on-month?

Exports jumped 25% compared to April 2025 due to a broad-based improvement in:

• Cotton Yarn
• Yarn
• Value-added products
• Silk and made-up items

This could mean global demand is stabilizing or buyers are placing new orders ahead of seasonal cycles – either way, it’s a hopeful sign.

What does this mean for the industry?

While the drop in year-on-year numbers shows that challenges remain, the strong rebound month-on-month signals that the sector is still resilient. Going forward:

✅ Focus needs to stay on high-value, finished goods
✅ Government support on raw material pricing and energy costs can help
✅ Diversifying export markets will reduce risk

⚠️ This post reflects the author’s personal opinion and is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice. Investing involves risk and should be done independently. Read full disclaimer →