Islamabad, 20 January 2022 (TDI): In Pakistan, exports of value-added textile items saw a sizeable increase in both quantity and value in December 2021, despite ongoing shortages of natural gas.
According to the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) due to the suspension of gas supply in December 2021, Pakistan lost about $250 million in textile exports. Mills in Punjab were without gas for over two weeks.
Gas was restored shortly after with a supply of around 75 mmcfd (million cubic feet per day). Although some sources say that it was less than the specified amount despite the fact that the industry is purchasing gas at $9 per MMBTU instead of $6.5 mmcfd during the winters.
Furthermore, the industry has also faced shortages in energy with textile mills in Punjab not getting enough electricity due to interruptions which have resulted in further losses which may go up to about $400 million.
Despite all these hardships, the textile industry came out on top. High-value exports increased which resulted in the consumption of more yarn and fabric for the production of garments.
Pakistani textile mills have the potential to add another $10 billion in exports if more downstream industries are set up. The current target for 2022 is to hit $21 billion in textile exports.
Men’s garments’ exports increased by 16% in volumes and 26% in value terms. Jerseys and cardigans exports increased by 38% in volume and 55% in value. Additionally, T-shirts’ exports saw an increase of 32% in quantity and 46% in value.
High Value Exports increased, consuming more of Yarn & Fabric for Value Addition due to new capacity addition in Garments. We’ve the capacity to add up another $10B of Export to the targeted $21B export this year by setting up more downstream industries.#ValueAddedSector pic.twitter.com/fnv6aL63eB
— All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (@APTMAofficial) January 19, 2022
Textile exports were up as compared to the previous year. In July 2020 exports stood at $1.27 billion while in 2021 they were at $1.47 billion. In December 2020 textile exports amounted to $1.40 billion while in December 2021 they were 1.64 billion.
All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA)
The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association is a trade organization that represents the textile industry of Pakistan. It currently encompasses over 400 companies. It plays a significant role in safeguarding the interests of the textile and other industries.
