The exports of textile commodities witnessed an increase of 2.92 percent while non-textile exports shrank 5.63 percent during the first quarter (Q1) of the current fiscal year as compared to the corresponding period of last year.
The textile exports from the country were recorded at $3469.585 million ($ 3.5 billion) in July-September (2020-21) against the exports of $3371.376 million ($3.4 billion) in July-September (2019-20), showing a growth of 2.92 percent, according to latest data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
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However, due to the delay in orders amid coronavirus related closures in major export markets, non-textile exports of Pakistan shrank 5.63 percent year-on-year to $2.01 billion in the first quarter of 2020 FY.
Non-textile exports contract 5.6pc
In the pre-Covid-19 period, an upward trend was noticed in exports of non-textile products, largely driven by the depreciation of the rupee. Only a few value-added sectors made the growth in earnings even amid COVID-19 crises, like leather garments, surgical instruments, and engineering goods.
The data compiled by the PBS showed the food basket contracted 17.87pc in the first quarter from a year ago. Under this category, exports of rice witnessed a decline of 23.47pc. On the other hand, basmati exports dipped 33.45pc in value and 35.49pc in quantity.
Moreover, Export of fish and fish products declined by 1.55pc while that of fruits dipped by 15.91pc. However, foreign sales of vegetables surged by 11.58pc, tobacco 21.80pc, spices 17.9pc, and meat products 7.98pc during the months under review.
There had been no exports in March of wheat, sugar, and pulses following the imposition of the ban in Pakistan. Leather exports also rebounded by 10.83pc after a long time, especially driven by sales of leather garments gloves, followed by other products. The exports of engineering goods went up 19.31pc during the period under review.
Non-textile footwear exports went down by 9.88pc on the back of leather footwear. However, exports of canvas footwear were up over 15pc. The exports of surgical goods and medical instruments declined by 1.45pc.
Whereas, exports of carpets and rugs decreased during the first quarter from a year ago, in value by 9pc and in quantity by 24pc. Sports goods went down 11.84pc with football dipping by 22.87pc. Tanned leather exports also plunged 40.25pc.
Year-on-year, exports of jewelry surged 112.53pc, gems 11.37pc, and cement 8.27pc. The exports of furniture dipped 16.36pc, molasses 78.91pc, and gur 1.88pc.
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