Non-textile exports drop sharply in FY26

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s non-textile exports fell 13.77 per cent in FY26 to $12.21 billion from $14.16bn a year earlier, as lower overseas sales of agricultural goods and value-added products weighed on overall performance, according to Pakistan Bureau of Statistics data.

The decline was led by the agriculture segment, where export earnings dropped 29.49pc to $5.02bn from $7.12bn in the previous year. The data indicated that both export value and volume of farm commodities moved lower, reflecting weaker demand in key markets as well as softer international prices.

By contrast, non-agricultural exports posted a modest rise of 3.15pc, increasing to $7.19bn from $6.97bn over the same period. Within that category, engineering goods rose 5.64pc, supported by higher exports of industrial machinery, transport equipment, electric fans, auto parts and rubber tyres.

Mixed performance across sectors

Cement exports showed resilience in volume terms during FY26. In value terms, cement exports were up 4.02pc on a year-on-year basis, although the quantity exported declined 4.07pc from a year earlier.

Footwear exports presented a mixed trend. Overall exports in the segment edged down 0.47pc during FY26. A 33.02pc increase in the category listed as other footwear helped offset declines in more traditional lines. Leather footwear exports fell 5.22pc, while canvas footwear recorded the sharpest fall, dropping 33.02pc.

The leather manufacturing sector registered a slight increase of 0.64pc from the previous year. The gain was driven mainly by a 7.92pc rise in leather garments. However, leather gloves declined 5.15pc, while other leather manufactures increased 5.78pc. Raw leather exports, meanwhile, fell 6.35pc, pointing to continued weakness in unprocessed and semi-processed products.

Sports goods rise, carpets and surgical instruments lag

Exports of surgical instruments, an area in which Pakistan is a major global supplier, remained nearly flat and recorded negative growth of 0.03pc during the period under review. Export earnings from the segment remained negligible as established brands in Western countries remarketed these products.

Carpets and rugs exports fell 20.22pc in FY26 compared with the same period last year. In contrast, sports goods exports rose 10.08pc, largely due to an 11.72pc increase in football shipments.

Exports of gur products, which are not classified under food, declined 2.68pc from a year earlier. The report linked the fall mainly to the closure of the Torkham border.