APTMA Warns Transport Strike Is Disrupting Textile Exports and Production
APTMA Warns Transport Strike Is Disrupting Textile Exports and Production
Islamabad, 16th August 2026: The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association has expressed serious concern over the ongoing nationwide transporters’ strike, which has severely disrupted movement of export consignments, imported raw materials, and industrial inputs across the country.
APTMA Chairman Mr. Kamran Arshad said the prolonged suspension of freight movement is directly affecting Pakistan’s textile and apparel sector, which depends on timely movement of cotton, yarn, fabric, dyes, chemicals, accessories, machinery parts, and export shipments.
He said containers are stuck at ports and terminals, while exporters are facing delays in meeting shipment deadlines. The disruption is also creating shortages of raw materials and may force mills to curtail production if normal transport operations are not restored immediately.
Mr. Arshad warned that delays in export shipments can damage Pakistan’s credibility with international buyers and lead to cancellation of orders, penalties, and loss of future business. He said the textile sector which is already facing high energy costs, liquidity pressure, and intense regional competition, and cannot absorb further disruption in the supply chain.
Over the past year, similar disruptions in transport and logistics have affected export shipments and caused serious losses to industry. Such disruptions weaken Pakistan’s reliability as a supplier and make it harder for exporters to retain international buyers.
He said textile exports account for over 60% of Pakistan’s total exports, yet they are stagnating at a time when export growth is most critical for the country. Any further disruption to the textile supply chain will directly affect foreign exchange earnings, industrial production, and employment.
APTMA urged the Federal Government and all concerned authorities to immediately engage with transporters and resolve the issue through dialogue. It also requested the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, port authorities, shipping lines, and terminal operators to waive demurrage and detention charges incurred due to the strike.
Mr. Arshad said swift restoration of the supply chain is essential to protect exports, industrial production, employment, and foreign exchange earnings.
Kamran Arshad
Chairman APTMA
