**Pakistan Seeks Enhanced Global Presence for Textile Exports Amid Tariff Concerns**
Pakistan is intensifying efforts to broaden its global reach in the textile sector, with industry leaders urging government action on rising cotton tariffs and calling for robust international marketing strategies. The calls were made during a high-level meeting between the Chief Executive of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Faiz Ahmed, and officials from the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) in Lahore.
Textile sector representatives expressed serious concern over increased tariffs on Pakistani cotton exports, particularly in the United States, where duties can reach up to 18 percent. These tariffs pose a significant challenge as the U.S. remains a key market, absorbing $5.1 billion in Pakistani textile exports, with cotton comprising 39 percent of total shipments.
In response, Mr. Ahmed assured industry stakeholders that TDAP is actively seeking more favorable trade terms to protect and enhance Pakistan’s competitive position in the global market. He emphasized the importance of continued dialogue to address tariff barriers and streamline market access.
APTMA leaders underscored the necessity for deeper collaboration with TDAP in areas such as global branding, participation in international textile exhibitions, and cohesive promotion of “Brand Pakistan” to solidify the country’s image as a world-class textile producer. They advocated for innovative marketing approaches, including the establishment of dedicated retail malls overseas to showcase Pakistani products and elevate their visibility among global consumers.
Furthermore, industry insiders stressed the need for a stronger focus on value-added textile exports as a pathway to achieve the ambitious target of $30 billion in sector exports. They highlighted that diversifying product offerings and enhancing quality will be critical in capturing higher-value segments of the international market.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment between government and industry to intensify efforts for securing fair market access, boosting Pakistani exports, and positioning the country’s textile sector as a formidable player on the world stage.
