By Moaaz Manzoor
ISLAMABAD– Pakistan’s exports in August 2025 were steady, with growth coming from unexpected places. While traditional products like textiles continue to lead the way, new sectors like sports goods, leather, and engineering products are starting to make a bigger impact.
According to new data from Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce, total exports for July and August 2025-26 reached $5.1 billion, a slight increase from $5.07 billion during the same time last year.
Textiles, as usual, were the main driver, rising nearly 10% to $3.2 billion. However, other categories showed strong growth too, which helped balance out declines in food and fuel exports.
Sports Goods Shine
Sports goods saw a big boost in August, increasing by 21.38% to $75.24 million. Football exports, in particular, jumped by 25.76%, reaching $48.68 million. Leather gloves also performed well, growing by 12.83%.
Leather Exports Grow
The leather industry also had a solid month. Leather goods, including garments and gloves, grew by nearly 10%, bringing in $104.37 million. Footwear exports were up almost 11%, totaling $33.6 million.
Engineering Items See Big Gains
There was strong growth in engineering products too.
Cement exports nearly doubled, reaching $72.72 million, while auto parts grew by 25.14%. Other types of electrical machinery saw a huge jump, with shipments going from $9.76 million to $19.14 million—an increase of almost 100%. Surgical goods and medical instruments also grew by 7.07%, totaling $74.58 million.
However, not all sectors performed well. Food exports dropped by 23.46% to $774.56 million. Rice and sugar were the main factors behind the decline. Petroleum exports also took a hit, falling by 31.81% to $57.57 million due to both a drop in volume and value.
A More Diverse Export Picture
Experts noted that while textiles are still the most important part of Pakistan’s exports, non-traditional sectors are making steady progress.
“The growth in sports goods, leather, engineering products, and medical instruments shows that Pakistan’s export basket is becoming more balanced,” said one analyst.
Textiles still account for over 60% of Pakistan’s total exports, these newer industries are helping support trade and balance out the struggles in food and fuel exports.
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