Export Earnings Fall to $13.2 Million
Pakistan’s football exports recorded a sharp decline in June 2026.
Export earnings fell by nearly 39 percent compared with the same month last year.
According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, football exports stood at $13.238 million during June.
The figure was significantly lower than the more than $21.7 million recorded in June 2025.
Exports also declined sharply on a monthly basis.
Football shipments fell by 38.54 percent compared with May 2026.
Pakistan exported footballs worth more than $21.5 million during the previous month.
The latest figures reflect a sudden slowdown in overseas orders and shipments.
Sialkot Remains a Major Global Production Hub
The decline came despite Pakistan’s strong reputation in international football manufacturing.
Sialkot remains one of the world’s leading centres for producing hand-stitched and high-quality footballs.
Pakistani manufacturers have supplied footballs to major global brands and international sporting competitions for decades.
The country’s products are recognised for their quality, durability, and skilled craftsmanship.
Pakistani footballs have also been used at major international tournaments.
However, growing competition, changing demand, and higher production costs continue to challenge local exporters.
Industry representatives say monthly export figures can also be affected by shipment schedules and seasonal orders.
Delays in international deliveries may also create temporary declines in monthly earnings.
Full-Year Football Exports Still Show Growth
Despite the weak performance in June, football exports increased during the full financial year.
Pakistan earned $256.7 million from football exports during the 2025-26 fiscal year.
This represented an annual increase of 11.72 percent.
The yearly growth suggests that international demand for Pakistani footballs remains strong.
However, exporters say the June decline should not be ignored.
They have called for greater investment in modern manufacturing technologies.
The industry also needs stronger international marketing and improved product branding.
Manufacturers have stressed the importance of expanding into new markets.
Greater value addition could also help Pakistan earn more from each exported product.
Stakeholders said lower energy costs and improved trade support would strengthen competitiveness.
They also called for policies that support small and medium-sized manufacturers in Sialkot.
Pakistan’s football industry remains an important source of export income and employment.
Maintaining its global position will require innovation, market diversification, and consistent product quality.
