ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s tyre industry is targeting exports of $150 million in the current fiscal year, up from $116 million in FY2025-26, as manufacturers seek to expand overseas sales and the government promises support in overcoming market access barriers.
The target represents a rise of about 29% from the previous fiscal year and a more than fourfold increase from the $35 million recorded in FY2021-22.
The issue of market access, particularly for Pakistani tyre exports to Türkiye, was discussed at a recent meeting chaired by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan.
Officials said certain tyre categories already received concessions under the bilateral Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). Exporters were asked to provide detailed product specifications and Harmonised System (HS) codes so the ministry could raise outstanding concerns with Turkish authorities.
SLM Drives Growth
Service Long March (SLM), which began commercial production in 2022, has emerged as a major contributor to the industry’s export earnings.
The company exported tyres worth $67 million in FY2025-26, accounting for around 58% of the sector’s total overseas sales.
It is targeting $100 million in exports in FY2026-27, an increase of approximately 49% over the previous year. If achieved, SLM would account for about two-thirds of the industry’s projected export revenue.
The company’s shipments reached $9.5 million in September 2026, up from $6.9 million in the same month last year, an increase of nearly 38%.
SLM accounted for approximately 63% of the industry’s reported exports of $15.1 million during September.
Expanding Markets
Pakistani manufacturers export a substantial share of their products to major markets, including the United States and Brazil.
Industry representatives say access to these destinations depends on meeting international quality standards and customer requirements while keeping production costs competitive.
Chinese technology and manufacturing partnerships have also helped strengthen local production capabilities and expand the range of products available for export.
In the passenger-car radial (PCR) segment, Armstrong began export sales in August 2026, supplying markets including the United States. SLM plans to begin PCR exports in 2028, further broadening Pakistan’s export portfolio.
The tyre export issue has also been raised before the National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce, where a ministry official said the government was providing all possible facilitation to the sector.
If the industry meets its latest export target, it could strengthen foreign exchange earnings, support industrial activity and help diversify Pakistan’s export base.
