ISLAMABAD, Oct 10: The total value of textile exports increased by 13.64 per cent to $1.602 billion during the first two months (July-August) of the current fiscal as against $1.413 billion the same period of last year.

Official data available with Dawn showed that the export of garment, cotton yarn, bedwear and cotton cloth registered a massive growth, while knitwear, tents, synthetic textile and made-up articles recorded a negative growth during the period under review.

Product wise details showed that the export of cotton yarn increased by 45.51 per cent, cotton cloth by 40.97 per cent, readymade garments by 65.54 per cent, bedwear by 42.36 per cent and towels by 2.50 per cent.

However, export of knitwear declined by 26.33 per cent, tents, canvas and tarpulin by 39.58 per cent and art, silk, synthetic textile by 34.47 per cent during the period under review.

The export of primary commodities during July-August 2005-06 registered an overall growth of 21.37 per cent over the same period of last year. The export of rice increased by 39.25 per cent, raw cotton up by 86.7 per cent and fish & fish preparations rose by 93.22 per cent.

While the other three important sectors of the economy — engineering, surgical goods and leather tanned — recorded a decline of 15.33 per cent, 1.13 per cent and 26.2pc, respectively.

Further analysis showed that the export of electric fans declined by 7.64 per cent and specialized machinery for particular industries fell by 30 per cent. While auto parts registered a growth of 8.48 per cent during the period under review.

The export of leather manufacturers increased by 32.94pc and footwear by 52.42 per cent during the July-August 2005-06.

The export of cutlery registered a growth of 16.54 per cent, sports goods 9.80 per cent and petroleum products 13 per cent during the period.

The export of jewellery declined by 24.46 per cent, furniture 85.36 per cent and molasses by 44.06 per cent. Export of gems increased by 2.35 per cent.

The total value of exports during the period under review rose 13.02 per cent to $2.680 billion as against $2.371 billion the same period last year.