ISLAMABAD: Exports of non-textile products fell six per cent year-on-year to $5.84 billion in the first nine months of 2016-17, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

Exports of petroleum crude dropped 37pc, however, petroleum products and naphtha exports grew during the period. Carpet and rug exports dropped 17.3pc.

Besides, exports of sports goods fell by 4pc year-on-year. Proceeds from footballs were down 10pc.

Exports of tanned leather declined 5.7pc in July-March while those of leather products decreased 6.3pc.

Exports of footwear dipped 8.9pc, mainly because of a 3.3pc fall in the exports of leather footwear. Exports of surgical goods and medical instruments went down 4.6pc and those of engineering goods dipped 6.2pc during the nine-month period.

Year-on-year exports of cement dropped by 22.8pc, gems by 21.8pc and furniture by 11pc.

In the food basket, exports of rice dropped 15pc. The decline was witnessed in the exports of both basmati and non-basmati rice. Exports of spices, wheat, oilseeds and fish grew during the period.

Published in Dawn, April 29th, 2017