Pakistan’s non-textile exports shrink 17pc

ISLAMABAD: Exports of non-textile goods plunged 16.6 per cent to $8.25 billion in the first eight months of FY26 from $9.89bn a year ago as shipments of agricultural produce and value-added products suffered steep declines.

The downturn underscores mounting pressure on key sectors, particularly agriculture, where lower volumes and weakening external demand have eroded earnings. By contrast, only marginal gains were recorded in leather, footwear, and engineering products 8MFY26, according to data compiled by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

The agriculture sector bore the brunt of the slowdown, with export earnings tumbling 34.4pc to $3.39bn in 8MFY26, down from $5.17bn a year earlier. The simultaneous drop in both value and volume of farm commodities highlights the twin pressures of softer international prices and waning demand in major markets.

In contrast, non-agricultural exports managed a modest 2.96pc uptick, rising to $4.86bn from $4.72bn over the same period last year. Within this segment, engineering goods posted a 5.05pc increase, led by stronger shipments of industrial machinery, transport equipment, electric fans, auto parts, and rubber tyres.

Proceeds dip to $8.25bn in July-February FY26

Proceeds dip to $8.25bn in July-February FY26

Cement exports also showed resilience in volume terms during July-February FY26. Export value was up 10.03pc year-on-year. However, a 0.59pc dip was recorded in quantity terms.

In the footwear segment, export performance was mixed. Overall footwear exports rose by 4.23pc during 8MFY26, largely........

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