Exports decline 15.68pc in July: Primary commodities
By Our Reporter
ISLAMABAD, Aug 11: Exports of primary commodities declined by 15.68 per cent during the first month of the current fiscal year of 2004-05 over the same month of the last year.
Official figures compiled by the Commerce Ministry, showed the export of textile manufacturers registered a growth of over 21 per cent and engineering goods by 84 per cent during the month under review over the same month of the last year.
Exports of auto-parts rose by 84.4 per cent during the month of July 2004 over the same month of last year and molasses exports increased by 151.39 per cent during the first month of the current fiscal year over the same month of last year.
According to statistics a copy of which was made available to Dawn on Wednesday showed the exports of only four primary commodities registered a growth in July 2004 over the same month last year.
The export of primary commodities, which registered growth included fruits increased by 23.2 per cent, vegetables by 31.5 per cent, tobacco by 265.89 per cent and oil seeds, nuts and kernals by 134.8 per cent in July 2004.
The exports of all varieties of rice declined by 14.33 per cent, raw cotton by 8.87 per cent, fish and fish preparation by 42.82 per cent, wheat by 95.4 per cent, spices by 10.64 per cent during the month under review over the same month last year.
Products wise analysis of the statistics showed that export of textile manufacturers, which stood at $758.594 million in July 2004 as against $626.501 million last year, registering an increase of 21.08 per cent.
The export of seven categories registered a growth-cotton yarn increased by 23.45 per cent; cotton cloth by 48.37 per cent, knitwear by 44.92 per cent, towels by 43.63 per cent, readymade garments by 20.50 per cent, bedwear by 1.64 per cent, tents, canvas and tarpaulin by 4.18 per cent during the month under review over the same month of last year.
The export of art, silk and synthetic textile declined by 39.66 per cent and made up articles including other textile by 10.81 per cent during the month of July 2004 over the same month last year.
The main increase in the export of engineering goods was registered in export of electric fans which increased by 17.2 per cent and transport equipment by 90 per cent during the period under review.
Export of carpets increased by 144.9 per cent, leather tanned rose by 15.54 per cent, leather manufacturers by 14.45 per cent, footwear by 7.5 per cent, onyx manufactured by 22.45 per cent, sports goods by 47.43 per cent, petroleum products by 46.83 per cent during the month of July 2004 over the same month of last year.
However, the export of petroleum crude declined by 100 per cent, surgical goods and instrument by 20.73 per cent during the month under review over the same month of last year.
