APTMA seeks U.S. trade relief, engages EU on GSP+

February 11, 2026 (MLN): The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has intensified diplomatic and policy engagement on key export markets, urging the government to secure preferential access to the United States.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to the European Union’s GSP+ framework during a high-level meeting with the EU Ambassador to Pakistan.

In a letter dated February 11, 2026, addressed to Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, APTMA Chairman Kamran Arshad called for immediate engagement with U.S. authorities to secure preferential market access for Pakistan’s textile and apparel exports.

The association warned that recent trade developments have materially affected Pakistan’s competitive position in the U.S. market.

APTMA noted that India has negotiated an 18% tariff arrangement with the United States, compared to around 19% tariffs faced by Pakistan, and has also concluded a free trade agreement with the European Union.

More recently, Bangladesh secured zero-tariff access to the U.S. market for garments and made ups manufactured using American cotton, further intensifying competition.

The association cautioned that these developments pose a serious and immediate threat to Pakistan’s textile and apparel exports, particularly at a time when the industry is grappling with high energy and input costs, elevated interest rates, regional tax disparities, and a challenging business environment.

Recalling earlier discussions during tariff negotiations with the United States in early 2025, APTMA said it had proposed concessional access for Pakistani textile and apparel products in exchange for enhanced imports of U.S. cotton.

A similar proposal was also shared with the American Embassy, seeking duty-free access for products made from American cotton.

APTMA has now urged the Government of Pakistan to formally approach U.S. authorities to secure duty-free access for Pakistani textile and apparel products manufactured using American cotton.

According to the association, such an arrangement would boost Pakistan’s exports, strengthen bilateral trade ties, and increase U.S. cotton sales.

The association has also sought an early meeting with the Ministry of Commerce to advance the proposal.

Separately, APTMA leadership engaged with Raimundas Karoblis, Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, to discuss the renewal of Pakistan’s GSP+ status and the future trajectory of Pakistan–EU trade relations.

During the meeting, Dr. Gohar Ejaz, Patron-in-Chief of APTMA, reaffirmed that Pakistan’s textile industry remains among the most compliant manufacturing sectors globally, with exporters adhering strictly to international standards on labour rights, workplace safety, environmental compliance, human rights, and gender inclusion.

He emphasized that Pakistan’s textile exporters have consistently met and in many cases exceeded the requirements under the GSP+ framework.

Dr. Ejaz highlighted that GSP+ has had a meaningful and positive impact on Pakistan, contributing to improved working conditions, enhanced focus on human rights, stronger enforcement of labour standards, and greater participation of women in the workforce.

He added that the business community is prepared to take ownership and work closely with the Government of Pakistan to address remaining gaps and ensure sustained compliance through transparency, constructive engagement, and continuous improvement.

The discussion emphasized the deeply interlinked and mutually beneficial nature of Pakistan–EU trade.

While Pakistan exports textiles and other value-added goods to Europe, it imports advanced machinery, technology, and industrial equipment from EU member states.

This bilateral trade relationship supports employment, industrial development, and economic growth in both Pakistan and Europe.

Both sides agreed that continued dialogue will be critical to strengthening the Pakistan–EU partnership.

Mutual trust and shared responsibility were also emphasized as key elements for ensuring the successful renewal of GSP+.

The renewed GSP+ framework was positioned as a mechanism that delivers economic opportunity, social progress, and long-term mutual benefit.

The textile sector, Pakistan’s largest export industry, views improved market access to the United States and continuity of the GSP+ arrangement with the European Union as pivotal to sustaining export growth.

It also plays a key role in protecting market share, supporting jobs, and reinforcing Pakistan’s integration into global value chains

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