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ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s textile and clothing exports rose 5.26 per cent to $5.026 billion in the first quarter of 2026-27 from $4.775bn in the same period last year. The marginal rise in export proceeds was attributed to elevated input costs, which eroded exporters’ competitiveness, and external shocks that disrupted shipments, according to data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics released on Thursday. Textile exporters have already warned the government that exports could slow further in the second quarter if no corrective measures are taken. Two major setbacks mainly contributed to slowing exports — suspension of trade with Afghanistan since October 2025 and falling exports to the Middle East due to the prevailing war in the region, especially the United Arab Emirates. PBS data showed readymade garment exports surged 15.69pc in value and 17.38pc in quantity during July-September FY27, while knitwear rose 4.14pc in value but fell 0.46pc in quantity. By contrast, bedwear dipped 0.07pc in value and 0.71pc in quantity. Pakistan’s oil import bill rose 6.50pc in 1QFY27 to $4.02bn from $3.77bn a year ago. Data showed import of crude oil jumped 23.10pc in value, with a decline of 6.87pc in quantity, indicating that the higher value of crude oil is due to rising international oil prices. Published in Dawn, October 16th, 2026
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