Impact of Declining Interest Rates on Sales Performance in Pakistan’s Automobile (Assemblers, Parts & Accessories) and Textile (Weaving) Sectors

Abstract

This project analyzes the performance of Pakistan’s automobile assemblers, auto-parts and textile weaving firms over a five year period (2020-2024) in relation to significant changes in interest rates. Utilizing secondary data from publicly listed companies, PAMA, APTMA, and the SBP, the study assesses sales trends sector comparisons, and the impact of monetary tightening. The findings indicate that automobile assemblers are the most affected sector by increasing interest rates due to their substantial dependence on bank financing and CKD imports, resulting in significant declines in sales. Auto parts manufacturers exhibited moderate resilience, buoyed by consistent demand in the aftermarket. The textile weaving sector proved to be the most stable, driven by export orders, currency advantages, and access to refinancing schemes, despite facing higher energy costs. The project concluded that interest rates impact industries unevenly, emphasizing the need for sector specific strategies such as enhanced localization, financing support, export diversification, and reliable monetary policy to bolster industrial performance and ensure long-term economic stability.