ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s exports of non-textile value products saw a contraction in the first half of 2023-24 from a year ago.

The negative growth was observed despite an increase in the country’s main exports of textiles and clothing in the same period, according to data compiled by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

In the July-December period, the exports of leather garments fell by 9.71 per cent year-on-year in FY24. The decline was noted in both leather garments and gloves. The exports of raw leather also decreased by 23.17pc during the period under review.

The export of carpets and rugs declined by 21.61pc in 6MFY24. The export of sports goods also declined 2.35pc led by a 21.9pc dip in footballs’ shipments.

Pakistan is one of the main suppliers of global surgical instruments. However, the export value of these instruments remained negligible during July-December FY24 over the same months last year as these are re-marketed in Western countries by famous brands.

At the same time, the export of footwear contracted by over 16.49pc in July-December FY24 from a year ago. Footwear is one of the sectors which saw a growth in exports in FY23.

However, the export of engineering goods witnessed an increase of 3.12pc in 6MFY24 from a year ago. The export of jewellery surged by 46.53pc in the first half of FY24 from a year ago, followed by a 30.09pc rise in the export of gur and gur products. However, the export of gems declined by 26.52pc, furniture 44.14pc, molasses 73.86pc and handicrafts 53.03pc. Contrary to a slump in FY23, the cement exports jumped 58.77pc in 6MFY24.

Petroleum crude exports remained zero, whereas the foreign shipments of petroleum products surged 228pc.

The start of 2023-24 saw a continued downward trend in the export of value-added products, significantly impacting non-textile products as well. However, the exports of food products posted robust growth during the period under review turning many essential food commodities particularly beef, chicken and rice beyond the reach of consumers.

The export proceeds from the non-textile sector had been stagnant since the beginning of FY24.

Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2024