- Strong exports boost foreign exchange, balance of payments and economic stability nationwide.
Experts in various economic reports have consistently highlighted that exports are vital for Pakistan’s economic progress and development, as they serve as a primary source of foreign exchange earnings. By increasing exports, the country can strengthen its balance of payments (BOP), which is essential for maintaining economic stability and sustaining growth.
| Pakistan Exports | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| S.No. | Commodities | %Change for value in million Rupees inJanuary,2026 over | |
| December, 2025 | January,2025 | ||
| 1 | Readymade garments | 21.60 | 10.17 |
| 2 | Knitwear | 14.99 | -8.12 |
| 3 | Bed wear | 39.15 | 7.38 |
| 4 | Basmati Rice | 434.81 | 157.63 |
| 5 | Rice others | 24.96 | -30.65 |
| 6 | Cotton cloth | 48.38 | 0.49 |
| 7 | Towels | 49.17 | 14.63 |
| 8 | Madeup Articles (Excl. Towels & Bedwears) | 43.34 | 9.29 |
| 9 | Cotton yarn | 34.69 | 13.43 |
| 10 | Petroleum products (excl top naphta) | 25.08 | 21.03 |
Different sources indicate that Pakistan’s external account remained under pressure during the first seven months of FY2025-26. A widening trade deficit and rising import bill outweighed gains in services exports and workers’ remittances, according to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Statistics show that the current account recorded a deficit of $1.07 billion during July–January FY26, reversing a surplus of $564 million registered in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. This deterioration reflects a sharp expansion in the goods trade gap, as imports accelerated faster than exports amid a gradual recovery in local demand and the easing of administrative controls on inbound shipments.
At the same time, experts observe that export activities create numerous employment opportunities across various sectors, including textiles, agriculture and manufacturing, thereby helping to reduce unemployment and poverty levels. A stronger focus on exports encourages industries to innovate and adopt new technologies, leading to higher productivity and improved product quality. Expanding export markets also supports economic diversification, reducing dependence on a narrow range of domestic industries and enhancing resilience against external shocks.
The growth of exports attracts foreign direct investment (FDI), bringing capital, technology and expertise that foster industrial development. Strong export performance contributes to the expansion of national income, which in turn supports infrastructure development and social services. Additionally, a thriving export sector strengthens the trade balance and supports the national currency, helping to ease inflationary pressures.
Pakistan’s key export sectors — particularly textiles, agriculture and handicrafts — hold significant potential for further growth if supported through effective policies, improved infrastructure and enhanced market access. Export-led growth can also strengthen Pakistan’s global competitiveness and improve diplomatic and trade relations. Moreover, rising exports help build foreign exchange reserves, which are essential for financing imports and stabilising the economy during times of crisis. Overall, a robust export sector remains a cornerstone of sustainable economic development, poverty reduction and long-term prosperity.
According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), exports from Pakistan in January 2026 amounted to Rs 855,525 million (provisional), compared to Rs 635,746 million in December 2025 and Rs 822,410 million in January 2025. This reflects an increase of 34.57 per cent over December 2025 and 4.03 per cent over January 2025. In US dollar terms, exports in January 2026 totalled $3,056 million (provisional), compared with $2,268 million in December 2025, showing an increase of 34.74 per cent over December and 3.56 per cent compared with $2,951 million in January 2025.
However, exports during July–January 2025–26 totalled Rs 5,120,943 million (provisional), compared with Rs 5,447,859 million during the same period last year, indicating a decline of 6.00 per cent. In US dollar terms, exports during July–January 2025–26 stood at $18,190 million (provisional), compared with $19,583 million in the same period last year, showing a decrease of 7.11 per cent.
Major export commodities in January 2026 included readymade garments (Rs 121,818 million), knitwear (Rs 119,897 million), bedwear (Rs 86,381 million), Basmati rice (Rs 55,840 million), rice (other varieties) (Rs 46,620 million), cotton cloth (Rs 46,219 million), towels (Rs 32,569 million), made-up articles excluding towels and bedwear (Rs 22,674 million), cotton yarn (Rs 20,574 million) and petroleum products excluding top naphtha (Rs 18,822 million).