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Pakistan football exports hit $257 million on strong global demand

Manufacturers shipped 4.7 million footballs, an 18.5% increase from the previous fiscal year.

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Haris Zamir

Business Editor

Experience of almost 33 years where started the journey of financial journalism from Business Recorder in 1992. From 2006 onwards attached with Television Media worked at Sun Tv, Dawn Tv, Geo Tv and Dunya Tv. During the period also worked as a stringer for Bloomberg for seven years and Dow Jones for five years. Also wrote articles for several highly acclaimed periodicals like the Newsline, Pakistan Gulf Economist and Money Matters (The News publications)

Pakistan football exports hit $257 million on strong global demand

Pakistan football exports jump nearly 12% as global demand strengthens

APP

Pakistan's football exports increased nearly 12% in dollar terms during fiscal year 2025-26 as global demand strengthened ahead of major international football events, reinforcing the country's position as one of the world's leading football suppliers.

Data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) showed football export earnings rose to USD 256.72 million (about PKR 72 billion) in FY2025-26, up 11.72% from USD 229.78 million (PKR 64.2 billion) in the previous fiscal year.

Pakistan exported 4.705 million footballs during FY2025-26, compared with 3.972 million a year earlier, reflecting an 18.45% increase in export volume. Export earnings in rupee terms rose 12.19% from the previous fiscal year.

The latest figures indicate a strong recovery in Pakistan's football manufacturing industry, one of the country's leading export-oriented sectors, despite continued global economic uncertainty and supply chain challenges.

Industry experts attributed the increase in overseas demand largely to procurement ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, as international brands and retailers expanded orders in preparation for the tournament.

Pakistan, particularly the eastern city of Sialkot, is globally renowned for producing high-quality hand-stitched footballs and has supplied match balls for some of the world's biggest sporting events for decades.

The increase in exports also underscores the resilience of Pakistan's sports goods industry, which remains an important source of foreign exchange earnings. Strong demand from North America, Europe and other international markets supported export growth during the fiscal year.

Analysts said the sector could sustain its growth momentum if manufacturers continue investing in product quality, modern production technologies and market diversification. They added that preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 and growing recognition of Pakistani-made footballs could create further opportunities for exporters to expand their share of the global market.

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