Big industry output grows 6% YoY in April 2026

June 15, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan's large-scale manufacturing sector maintained its growth momentum in April 2026, with the Quantum Index of Manufacturing (QIM) reaching 114.56, reflecting continued industrial momentum driven by strong performances in automobiles, garments, and other transport equipment.

According to provisional data with base year 2015-16, Large Scale Manufacturing Industries (LSMI) output grew 6.06% year-on-year (YoY) in April 2026, while posting an 8.32% month-on-month (MoM) decline compared to March 2026.

On a cumulative basis, the sector recorded 6.44% growth during July–April FY26, with the QIM averaging 122.19, up from 114.79 in the same period last year.

The automobile sector continued its growth trajectory with a robust 83.88% increase in April and a cumulative 64.33% surge during July–April FY26.

Sugar staged a remarkable monthly surge in April, contributing to a strong 31.60% cumulative expansion over the ten-month period.

Garments maintained strong momentum with 15.18% monthly growth and a 7.34% cumulative expansion, while petroleum products grew 3.83% in April, sustaining a strong 10.04% cumulative gain.

Growth of Major Manufacturing Items

Several sectors faced headwinds during the month. Iron and steel continued its decline, falling 12.88% in April and 6.98% cumulatively.

Fertilizers contracted 10.55% in April, with cumulative decline deepening to -1.98%. Cement, however, posted a robust 9.11% monthly gain alongside a solid 9.13% cumulative increase. Cotton yarn also dipped 1.12% in April.

Sectoral Contributions

The main contributors toward the overall 6.44% cumulative growth were automobiles (1.61 percentage points), food (1.60), garments (1.19), petroleum products (0.74), electrical equipment (0.35), tobacco (0.20), other transport equipment (0.26), furniture (0.34), beverages (0.33), and other manufacturing/football (0.10).

Conversely, pharmaceuticals (-0.40), iron and steel products (-0.30), chemicals (-0.18), and textile (-0.05) weighed on overall growth, while leather products (-0.02) and machinery and equipment (-0.01) also posted negative contributions.

The sustained growth momentum in Pakistan's manufacturing sector reflects improving economic conditions and strengthening domestic demand, particularly in the automobile, garments, and food processing industries, even as certain capital and intermediate goods sectors continue to face pressure.

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