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Pakistan’s Exports Show Mixed Results in First Four Months of FY26
Table of Contents
Pakistan’s export performance during the first four months of Fiscal Year 2026 (4MFY26) presents a mixed picture, with declines in several key sectors offset by growth in others.Overall trends reveal challenges in traditional export categories alongside some positive developments in specific areas like sports goods and petroleum products.
Footwear and Leather goods Experience Downturn
The footwear sector faced headwinds, with a surge in other footwear categories failing to offset declines in leather and canvas footwear. Leather footwear exports decreased by 5.59%, while canvas footwear saw a more considerable drop of 48.10%. Exports of leather goods also dipped by 0.34%, primarily due to a 1.70% decline in leather glove exports. Leather garments showed minimal growth, increasing by only 0.21% compared to the previous year.
Raw Food and Agricultural Exports Mixed
Shipments of raw food products declined,notably in the rice sector,wich experienced its first drop in exports after a 19-month period of growth. Raw leather exports decreased by 2.45%. Conversely,the export of gur products,not classified as food,decreased by 22.51% in 4MFY26 compared to the previous year.
Surgical Instruments and Other Manufacturing Sectors
Despite Pakistan being a major supplier of surgical instruments globally, the export value of these instruments remained relatively stagnant, with a growth of only 2.30% during 4MFY26. This is attributed to the re-marketing of these instruments by famous brands in Western countries. Carpets and rugs experienced a decline of 12.12% in exports. However, sports goods exports surged by 17.74%,driven by a corresponding 17.74% increase in football exports.
Significant Declines in Specific Export Categories
Several export categories experienced substantial declines. Jewellery exports plummeted by 98.99%, followed by handicrafts (94.38%), gems (3.62%), furniture (11.94%), and molasses (91.97%).
Energy Sector: Crude Oil vs. Refined Products
The energy sector presented a contrasting picture. Petroleum crude exports recorded a negative growth of 19.43% in 4MFY26. However, exports of petroleum products increased considerably, rising by 115% during the same period.
