ISLAMABAD: The government’s cash support to various sectors helped increase non-textile exports during the July-October period by four per cent to $2.96 billion compared to same period last fiscal year.

The slight increase shows the exports of non-textile products have rebounded in the ongoing fiscal year reversing the declining trend seen during last few years.

The government had extended cash support to leather manufacturers, footwear, sports goods, surgical, engineering goods, furniture, meat and meat products, fish products and cutlery manufacturers in a bid to increase non-textile exports.

The data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics showed carpet and rug exports increased by 1.33pc during the first four months of current fiscal year from a year ago.

However, sports goods’ exports went down slightly by 3.94pc and foreign sales of footballs were up by 14.66pc.

Tanned leather exports witnessed a negative growth of 17.75pc in July-Oct from a year ago.

Data showed a year-on-year decline of 47.39pc in exports of petroleum products. Petroleum products, crude and naphtha contributed in overall decline in the sector’s exports.

After a long time, exports of leather products rebounded jumping by 12.89pc during this period. This was mainly led by sales of leather gloves, followed by garments.

Footwear exports went up by 18pc on back of leather footwear and others, surgical goods and medical instruments by 11.94pc. However, engineering goods dipped by 9.82pc during the year under review.

Year-on-year exports of gur (jaggery) surged by 1.67pc, and gems 46.83pc. However, export of molasses dropped by 98.77pc, and jewelry 17.20pc while those of cement and furniture fell by 9.52pc and 19.36pc respectively.

In the food basket, exports of rice witnessed a robust rise of 43.76pc in the four months of current fiscal year from a year ago. The growth was witnessed in both basmati and non-basmati rice.

Exports of sugar, meat and tobacco are the other three major exports commodities which recorded an impressive growth. Other products which also rose included fish, vegetables, and fruits.

Published in Dawn, November 22nd, 2019