Islamabad, September 4, 2025: President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Atif Ikram Sheikh on Thursday said Pakistan’s textile sector has been presented with a “once-in-a-decade” opportunity to expand its share in the U.S. market following the imposition of heavy tariffs on Indian exports.
In a statement, Sheikh noted that India’s textile exports worth $16 billion are expected to be adversely affected by the new American tariffs, creating a rare opening for Pakistan to fill the gap.
“Pakistan can only benefit from this situation if all stakeholders work under a well-coordinated policy framework,” he said, warning that without bold and timely policy measures, the country risks losing this exceptional opportunity.
He stressed that immediate steps must include restoration of access to the Export Finance Scheme (EFS), reduction in the cost of doing business, and a downward revision of energy tariffs for industry. While he welcomed the government’s new industrial policy, he emphasized that affordable energy was “indispensable” for sustaining competitiveness.
Sheikh further called on the government to implement long-term measures enabling the textile sector to capture a greater share in global markets.
“The sustainable solution to Pakistan’s economic challenges lies in a significant increase in exports — and the global market is offering us a rare chance today,” the FPCCI chief said.
