ISLAMABAD, July 23: Pakistan’s export of textile products increased by 11.38 per cent to $4.686 billion during the first six months of the quota-free regime (January-June 2005), as against $4.207 billion of last year.

Official figures made available to Dawn on Saturday showed that the export of textile products, however, recorded a nominal growth of 6.58 per cent during 2004-05 to $8.568 billion, as against $8.039 billion during 2003-04.

The export of non-textile commodities and products increased by 36.68 per cent to $5.842 billion during the fiscal year 2004-05, as against $4.274 billion during the previous fiscal year.

The total value of exports stood at $14.410 billion during 2004-05 as compared to $12.313 billion during 2003-04, showing an increase of 17.03 per cent.

Product-wise analysis showed that exports of readymade garments registered a growth of 34.15 per cent during the first six months of the quota-free regime to $676.988 million, as against $504.646 million during the same period last year. The export of readymade garments rose by 11.60 per cent to $1.108 billion as compared to $0.993 billion of the previous year.

The export of bedwear stood at $845.544 million during the quota-free regime, as against $729.332 million in the same period last year, showing an increase of 15.93 per cent. Towels’ exports stood at $262.05 million during the period under review, as against $186.153 million during the same period last year, indicating an increase of 40.77 per cent.

The export of cotton cloth was increased by 22.7 per cent to $1.158 billion during the January-June period this year, as against $0.943 billion during the same period last year. Made-up articles registered a growth of 13.36 per cent to $231.066 million as against $203.822.

The export of cotton yarn was declined by 0.6 per cent to $605.462 million during the January-June period this year, as against $609.134 million in the same period last year. The export of cotton yarn registered a growth of 54.89 per cent in June 2005, over the same month last year.

The export of knitwear was down by 4.37 per cent to $727.173 million during the same period this year, as against $760.455 million of the corresponding year. The export of tents, canvas and tarpaulin was declined by 7.263 per cent to $37.524 million during the January-June period this year, as against $40.463 million during the same period last year.

Similarly, the export of art, silk and synthetic textile has registered a negative growth of 22.68 per cent during the first six months this year to $143.676 million, as against $185.841 million during the same period last year.