ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s non-textile exports posted a paltry growth of 4.28 per cent year-on-year to $7.332 billion during the nine months of ongoing fiscal year (9MFY21) owing to the partial revival of international orders.

Overall growth in the non-textile sector is mainly led by the value-added sectors. Non-textile sector has yet to receive full orders to pre-Covid levels, data compiled by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) showed.

In 9MFY21, three sectors — leather garments, surgical instruments and engineering goods — have maintained growth in export proceeds despite lockdowns in many countries.

Food shortages in domestic market and lesser demand in international market led to overall drop in demands for Pakistani food products, especially fruits.

Data compiled by the PBS showed the food basket contracted 1.84pc in the July-March period from a year ago.

Under this category, exports of rice witnessed a decline of 2.11pc. On the other hand, Basmati exports dipped 27.30pc in value and 33.22pc in quantity while non-basmati exports were up by 11.90pc in value.

The export of spices was up by 5.21pc, followed by oil seeds, nuts 172.85pc, meat and products 6.54pc during the period under review. Contrary to this, export of fish and fish products declined by 4.32pc while that of foreign sales of vegetables dipped by 4.55pc, fruits 0.29pc, tobacco 13.86pc.

Published in Dawn, April 23rd, 2021