- With sustainable practices and global ties, Sialkot’s sports goods industry eyes billion-dollar growth trajectory
In Pakistan, Sialkot city is a major hub for sports goods manufacturing, particularly for hockey sticks and footballs. Its industrial significance is profound, as the city holds a stellar global reputation as a supplier of sports goods, surgical instruments, medical equipment, leather garments, gloves, and sportswear to leading international brands. Experts emphasise that Sialkot’s contribution to geographically diverse markets highlights its potential for further growth.
| Pakistan: Export receipts by sports goods (thousand US dollar) | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Commodity | Jul-Jun | Mar ( R) | Feb ( R) | Mar ( P) | Jul-Mar | ||
| FY23 | FY24 R | FY24 | FY25 | FY25 | FY24 R | FY25 P | |
| Sports Goods | 460,651 | 439,370 | 37,417 | 30,701 | 34,137 | 321,190 | 303,969 |
| a) Footballs | 238,423 | 248,604 | 21,450 | 17,067 | 19,676 | 177,498 | 169,213 |
| b) Gloves | 86,156 | 72,223 | 5,645 | 5,681 | 5,917 | 54,023 | 56,670 |
| c) Others | 136,072 | 118,542 | 10,321 | 7,953 | 8,544 | 89,668 | 78,086 |
Pakistan has a long-standing tradition of producing high-quality sports goods, including footballs, basketballs, volleyballs, and other accessories. In 2025, the country is expected to export sports equipment worth US$1.10 billion. This market is projected to grow at an annual rate of 3.04 per cent between 2025 and 2029. While overall exports of sports goods from Pakistan increased slightly in the first two months of FY2024-25 by 4.27 per cent to US$61.982 million, the market appears poised for sustained growth.
Amid this rise, Pakistan stands to gain a strategic advantage over competitors like China, Vietnam, and Bangladesh, especially under new trade policy frameworks. China is currently facing a 245 per cent tariff, Vietnam 46 per cent, and Bangladesh 37 per cent. Sectors such as wearing apparel, woven fabrics, food products, and sports goods are expected to benefit from relatively favourable market access. Specifically in sports goods, Pakistan enjoys a 17 per centage point edge over Vietnam, 8 points over Bangladesh, and a significant 216-point lead over China.
As a prominent exporter of sports goods, Pakistan is especially known for its production of footballs and hockey sticks. Data from the first eleven months of 2024 shows that China imported basketballs, footballs, and volleyballs worth $10.7 million from Pakistan — a 6.68 per cent increase compared to the same period the previous year. Pakistan’s expanding role as a global hub for sporting goods also mirrors its deepening economic relationship with China.
Experts credit the country’s skilled artisans for their world-class craftsmanship. Yet, despite a large pool of talented workers, Pakistan’s sports goods industry has long struggled due to limited access to international markets. Pakistani footballs, particularly those produced in Sialkot, continue to be major exports. Basketballs and volleyballs have also gained traction, largely due to their growing use in Chinese schools and professional leagues.
Among the wide variety of sports goods Pakistan manufactures, footballs remain a flagship product. Sialkot alone caters to 70 per cent of the global demand for hand-stitched inflatable footballs — roughly 40 million units annually, worth around US$210 million, as per the Punjab government. Sialkot again came into the international spotlight for producing the ‘Al Rihla’ football for the 2023 FIFA World Cup — a continuation of its legacy, having supplied footballs for similar events in 1983, 2000, and 2014.
In the realm of hockey, Pakistan is acknowledged as a leading exporter of hockey sticks. Awan Sports, based in the country, reportedly manufactures 90 per cent of the hockey sticks used by professional players globally.
To stay ahead of the curve, Sialkot manufacturers are actively innovating their product lines. They are adopting advanced technologies, integrating cutting-edge materials, and aligning with the latest trends in sports sciences. Moreover, they are focusing on sustainability by using eco-friendly materials, thereby appealing to environmentally conscious global consumers. These advancements allow Sialkot’s brands to stand apart from international competitors.
Additionally, the city’s manufacturers are adopting global best practices, including sustainable production processes and eco-friendly shipping methods. These initiatives not only improve operational efficiency but also contribute to broader global sustainability goals — further enhancing Sialkot’s reputation on the international stage.
If Pakistan is to make Sialkot’s sports industry more competitive, it must modernise the sector and improve working conditions for its labour force. This is the only viable strategy to revitalise Sialkot’s sports industry and encourage greater investment from international brands.