Road blockades severely impact exports: PTEA

FAISALABAD: Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA) has said that a grave crisis is unfolding as persistent road blockages have paralyzed trade and disrupted national supply chains.

An estimated $400–500 million worth of textile goods alone have been stranded for the past 11 days, severely impacting the country’s exports, it PTEA said.

It said ports are operating under constrained capacity with limited vessel availability. Even after the resumption of normal movement, it will take several weeks to clear the congestion and normalize trade operations.

The ripple effects are widespread and alarming: Export orders are being delayed or cancelled, jeopardizing Pakistan’s credibility in international markets. Payment cycles have been broken, putting financial strain on businesses across sectors, PTEA added.

The entire trade and production cycle faces severe disruption, affecting future economic activity. Essential goods supplies are dwindling, raising serious concerns about domestic availability.

It said that ports and logistics operations are near breakdown, with surging demurrage and detention costs. The national exchequer stands to lose an estimated $800–900 million if the situation continues unchecked.

Despite the magnitude of the crisis, there appears to be no visible urgency to resolve the situation, and the strike now looks likely to continue until May 2nd, it states.

“The saddest part is that this damage is entirely self-inflicted. At this rate, we don’t need external enemies we are undoing ourselves. We urgently call upon the government and all concerned stakeholders to intervene immediately. Failure to resolve this crisis will have devastating long-term consequences for Pakistan’s economy, exports, industry, and people,” the PTEA leadership said.