Pakistan’s Exports Rise 9.09% to Rs2.34 Trillion in First Quarter of FY2026-27
Pakistan’s merchandise exports increased by 9.09% in rupee terms during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026–27, reaching approximately Rs2.34 trillion, according to provisional data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
Exports totalled Rs2,344,984 million between July and September 2026, compared with Rs2,149,566 million during the same period a year earlier.
In US-dollar terms, exports increased by 11.13% to $8.445 billion from $7.599 billion. The figures indicate stronger export receipts at the start of the fiscal year, although rising imports continued to put pressure on Pakistan’s overall trade balance.
September Exports Record Strong Monthly Growth
Exports gained momentum in September, reaching Rs821.20 billion compared with Rs703.22 billion in August 2026.
The September total was also higher than the Rs703.78 billion recorded in September 2025, according to PBS data.
| Export indicator | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| July–September 2026 exports | Rs2.345 trillion | Up 9.09% year-on-year |
| July–September exports in US dollars | $8.445 billion | Up 11.13% year-on-year |
| September 2026 exports | Rs821.20 billion | Up 16.68% year-on-year |
| September exports in US dollars | $2.961 billion | Up 18.49% year-on-year |
| August 2026 exports | Rs703.22 billion | — |
The September increase was encouraging, but a single month does not establish a sustained trend. Export performance over the remaining months of the fiscal year will help show whether the improvement continues.
Which Products Led Pakistan’s Exports?
Textiles and apparel remained prominent among Pakistan’s major export categories in September. Knitwear was the largest listed export item, followed by ready-made garments and bedwear.
Rice, towels, cotton cloth and other manufactured products also contributed to export earnings.
| Major export product | September 2026 value |
|---|---|
| Knitwear | Rs132.59 billion |
| Ready-made garments | Rs109.86 billion |
| Bedwear | Rs80.08 billion |
| Cotton cloth | Rs41.33 billion |
| Other rice | Rs41.18 billion |
| Basmati rice | Rs31.12 billion |
| Towels | Rs27.85 billion |
| Made-up articles, excluding towels and bedwear | Rs21.38 billion |
| Petroleum products, excluding top naphtha | Rs21.35 billion |
| Cotton yarn | Rs18.42 billion |
These figures show the continuing importance of textile exports, while rice and other product categories also provide sources of foreign-exchange earnings.
Why Export Growth Matters
Exports bring foreign currency into Pakistan, help domestic producers access international markets and can support jobs across manufacturing, agriculture, logistics and related services.
Higher export receipts can also help reduce pressure on the country’s external accounts by increasing the supply of foreign exchange. However, the benefit depends on the cost of production, the imported inputs used by exporters and the amount of value added within Pakistan.
For businesses, sustained export growth requires competitive pricing, reliable energy supplies, predictable policies, efficient transport and access to international buyers.
Trade Deficit Remains a Concern
Despite the increase in exports, Pakistan’s import bill rose faster in percentage terms during the first quarter.
PBS data show that imports reached Rs5.343 trillion in July–September 2026, up 11.23% from approximately Rs4.803 trillion a year earlier. In dollar terms, imports increased by 13.20% to $19.213 billion.
The resulting merchandise trade deficit stood at approximately $10.77 billion, compared with $9.37 billion during the same quarter last year.
| Trade indicator | July–September 2026 | Year-on-year change |
|---|---|---|
| Exports | $8.445 billion | +11.13% |
| Imports | $19.213 billion | +13.20% |
| Trade deficit | $10.768 billion | Wider than a year earlier |
The figures illustrate an important distinction: exports can rise while the trade deficit also widens if imports increase by a larger amount. Pakistan’s next challenge is therefore not only to expand export earnings but also to improve the overall balance between imports and exports.
What Could Support Further Export Growth?
Maintaining the recent momentum will depend on several factors:
- Textile competitiveness: Manufacturers need to manage energy, labour, financing and raw-material costs to compete internationally.
- Agricultural and food exports: Better processing, storage, quality standards and access to overseas markets could help increase export value.
- Market diversification: Expanding into additional countries and product categories may reduce reliance on a limited number of buyers.
- Policy stability: Predictable taxation, customs procedures and export incentives can help businesses plan production and investment.
- Productivity and value addition: Moving into higher-value goods and improving production efficiency could support stronger earnings over time.
These are potential areas for improvement, not guarantees of future export growth. Their impact will depend on implementation and demand in international markets.
Outlook for Pakistan’s Exports
The first-quarter figures provide a positive sign for merchandise exports, particularly given the stronger performance recorded in September. However, the wider trade deficit shows that export gains have not yet been sufficient to offset the increase in imports.
The coming months will be important in determining whether the export recovery can continue and whether Pakistan can narrow the gap between what it sells abroad and what it purchases from other countries.
Editorial note: The figures cited are provisional PBS merchandise-trade statistics for July–September 2026. The 9.09% increase is measured in rupees, while the 11.13% increase is measured in US dollars. These measures should not be used interchangeably.