US remains top export market in February

KARACHI: Exports to the US outperformed those to any other country in February of the current financial year, surging to $436 million in a single month.

No other export market for Pakistan exceeded the $200 million mark during the month. The UK ranked as the second-largest export destination, with Pakistani exports totalling $173 million in February.

According to country-wise export data released by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), exports to the US increased by 7.0 per cent compared to the same month last year. Exports to the UK also recorded 5.0 per cent growth year-on-year.

Meanwhile, exports to China declined by 5.0 percent, amounting to $170 million in February. Exports to the EU and the Middle East showed mixed trends. Exports to the Netherlands grew by 12 per cent, whereas exports to Germany fell by 7.0 per cent.

Exports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) dropped by 8.0 per cent, while exports to Spain remained unchanged. Italy registered a 9.0 per cent decline, whereas exports to Saudi Arabia rose by 30 per cent. Exports to France increased by 17 per cent, while exports to Belgium declined by 22 per cent.

In South Asia, Pakistan’s exports to Bangladesh grew by 14 per cent, while exports to Afghanistan fell by 30 per cent. Overall, Pakistan’s total exports in February declined by 5.5 per cent year-on-year, amounting to $2.4 billion, down from $2.5 billion in the same month last year. The textile sector remained

the largest contributor, with exports reaching $1.49 billion in February. Within this category, bed linen, table linen, toilet linen and kitchen linen were the top export items, with earnings of $365 million, up from $357 million last year.

Agricultural and food exports stood at $575 million during the review month, with rice exports amounting to $259 million -- marking a 35 per cent decline from $400 million last year. Additionally, Pakistan exported nearly $185 million worth of other manufactured goods.

Regionally, Europe remained the top export destination, with shipments exceeding $910 million in February FY25. Exports to Asia totalled $797 million, while exports to the Americas (North and South) stood at $528 million. Exports to Africa reached $186 million, while exports to Oceania, including Australia and Pacific Island nations, were recorded at $22 million.