ISLAMABAD, July 5: The American Importers Association (AIA) has predicted that Pakistani goods export to the United States will cross $3.14 billion mark this year.

According to a message received here from Phillip W. Byrd, AIA Director General for N. Safety Harbor, USA, the imports of Pakistani goods into US for the first four months of 2005 were $950 million, an increase of 9.2 per cent over $870 million in the same period of 2004.

The increase in Pakistani goods export reflects American consumer confidence which is improving, the association sources said.

They said the situation will further improve after lifting of ban on apparel quotas exports from Pakistan to the USA.

Pakistan is 53rd largest import trading partner of the US, the association said.

The apparel, clothing and accessories sector has increased its exports to the US by 9.04 per cent so far this year.

This is due to the lifting of quotas and to increased marketing on the part of Pakistani apparel exporters.—APP