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ISLAMABAD: Despite the continuation of the GSP+ status, Pakistan’s exports to major Western and Northern European markets fell in the first 10 months of 2025-26 compared with the same period a year earlier, raising serious questions for policymakers.
However, the overall export to Europe grew modestly, with an uptick in shipments to Southern and Eastern European countries during the July-April period.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has accelerated the decline in exports to these markets, in addition to the European Union’s preferential market access offered to India, one of Pakistan’s key competitors in textiles.
For Pakistani exporters, the evolving situation presents a dual challenge: maintaining compliance with EU conditions while facing stiff competition from countries gaining preferential or expanded market access.
