Pakistan performed better than India in apparel exports to the United States in February 2021.

Pakistan had an outstanding performance among apparel export destinations globally during February, according to Sourcing Journal, a credible source for textile sector information.

 

Normally, India and Bangladesh perform better than Pakistan but this time Pakistan has fared better than its neighbouring countries despite all the challenges of COVID-19 faced worldwide.

 

Although the apparel import value of the U.S., a prominent destination for textile exports, decreased 8.7 percent year-on-year to USD 5.39 billion in February 2021, its volume increased 3.2 percent and Pakistan was on top of the list of countries which witnessed a hike in their apparel exports.

 

Other countries that recorded growth in exports included China, Bangladesh and Egypt. Pakistan and China managed to increase their apparel shipments to the U.S. both in terms of value and volumes.

 

India, Vietnam and Indonesia experienced a decline in apparel exports to the U.S. both in value and volume terms.

 

Even though the country is performing well in textile exports, it is facing many challenges to keep up with the performance. The biggest hurdle is the decrease in cotton production in the country, which is the main raw material for the textile sector.

 

The country is facing shortage of around half of its requirement of cotton, estimated at seven million bales. Giving in to the pressure from the textile industry, the government recently allowed duty-free import of cotton yarn.

 

Source: tribune.com.pk