KARACHI: With Pakistan’s tyre sector’s export earnings more than tripled between 2022 and 2026, industry is now targeting exports of $150 million in FY 2027, up from $116 million in FY 2026 and $35 million in FY 2022, with SLM alone on track to increase its annual overseas sales to $100 million, according to industry figures.
The target for the ongoing year represents a further increase of approximately 29 per cent, highlighting tyre manufacturing’s growing contribution to Pakistan’s industrial export base.
The industry exports the majority of its tyres to markets described by manufacturers as tier-one destinations, including the United States and Brazil.
Sales to these markets underscore the importance of meeting international quality standards and customer requirements while maintaining competitive production costs.
SLM, which commenced commercial production in 2022, recorded exports of $67 million in FY 2026, accounting for approximately 58 per cent of the industry’s total overseas earnings. Its $100 million target for FY 2027 represents growth of approximately 49 per cent and would account for two-thirds of the sector’s targeted exports, a senior industry official confirmed.
Recent shipment figures also reflect SLM contribution as the company recorded exports of $9.5 million in September 2026, compared with $6.9 million in the corresponding month last year, an increase of approximately 38 per cent. It accounted for around 63 per cent of the sector’s reported September exports of $15.1 million.
Chinese technology and manufacturing partnerships have helped strengthen local production capabilities, supporting manufacturers’ ability to supply international customers and develop additional product categories.
In the passenger-car radial (PCR) segment, Armstrong began export sales in August 2026 and is supplying tier-one destinations, including the United States. SLM plans to begin PCR exports in 2028, adding a further category to its overseas offering.
The sector’s ability to sustain growth will depend on securing repeat orders, maintaining product quality and managing production and logistics costs.
Delivering the current year’s targets would further strengthen tyre manufacturing’s role as a source of foreign exchange earnings and industrial export diversification.
