Big industry output grows 10% YoY in November

January 16, 2026 (MLN):  Pakistan's large-scale manufacturing sector sustained its recovery trajectory in November 2025, with the Quantum Index of Manufacturing (QIM) reaching 118.28, showing continued industrial momentum amid exceptional performances in automobiles, petroleum products and garments.

According to provisional data with base year 2015-16, Large Scale Manufacturing Industries (LSMI) output grew 10.37% year-on-year (YoY) in November 2025, while posting a modest 0.16% month-on-month (MoM) increase compared to October 2025.

On a cumulative basis, the sector recorded a 6.01% growth during July–November FY26, with the QIM averaging 115.72, up from 109.65 in the same period last year.

The automobile sector led the growth trajectory with a remarkable 61.35% increase in November and a cumulative 75.15% surge during July-November FY26.

Petroleum products posted robust growth of 43.66% YoY in November, contributing significantly with an 18.06% cumulative increase.

The garments sector showed strong momentum with 18.43% monthly growth and 7.14% cumulative expansion.

Cement production grew 8.74% in November, with a substantial 13.47% cumulative increase for the five-month period.

Beverages recorded exceptional growth of 32.61% in November, while textile products showed steady improvement with 2.52% monthly growth.

Growth of Major Manufacturing Items 

 The iron and steel sector continued to face headwinds, declining 5.99% in November and 3.80% cumulatively. Pharmaceuticals experienced a 5.31% decline during July-November, while machinery and equipment contracted 16.37% in November.

Sectoral Contributions

The main contributors toward the overall 6.01% cumulative growth were automobiles (1.77% points), petroleum products (1.29), garments (1.24), cement (0.78), food (0.47), and textiles (0.32). Conversely, pharmaceuticals (-0.34) and iron & steel products (-0.17) weighed on overall growth.

The sustained growth momentum in Pakistan's manufacturing sector shows improving economic conditions and strengthening domestic demand, particularly in the automobile and construction-related industries.

However, challenges persist in certain segments, indicated the need for targeted policy interventions to ensure broad-based industrial recovery.

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