ISLAMABAD, March 25: Pakistan’s export of textile products rose by 20.18 per cent to $6.323 billion during the eight months of the current fiscal year as against $5.261 billion the same period of last year.

Official figures released by Federal Bureau of Statistics (FBS) here on Friday showed that the increase was mainly attributable to growth achieved in the export of readymade garments during the month of Feb 2006.

The export of readymade garments surged 33.15 per cent to $872.276 million during Feb 2006 as against $655.125 million over the same month last year.

A decrease of 18.30 per cent was recorded in export of readymade garments during Jan 2006 and 4.92 per cent in December 2005 over the corresponding months of the last year.

The export of bedwear grew by 65.72 per cent, cotton yarn by 28.95 per cent, cotton cloth by 19.30 per cent, knitwear by 1.96 per cent and towels by 12.69 per cent during the eight months of the current fiscal.

However, the export of tents, canvas and tarpaulin declined by 71.42 per cent, art, silk, synthetic textile by 38.17 per cent and made-up articles by 14.35 per cent.

Similarly, the export of surgical goods and medical instruments fell by 11.17 per cent; gems by 1.2 per cent, jewellery by 52.40 per cent, furniture by 6.58 per cent and molasses by 63.56 per cent during the period under review.

The export of carpets, rugs increased by 2.91 per cent, sports goods by 8.33 per cent, engineering goods by 11.80 per cent, auto parts by 60.08 per cent, leather manufacturers by 46.4 per cent, footwear by 22.4 per cent, chemical and pharmaceutical products by 9.80 per cent during the period.

The export of primary commodities registered an overall growth of 24.77 per cent during the July-Fed 2005-06. Export of rice increased by 41.04 per cent, fish and fish preparations by 27.8 per cent and spices 78.20 per cent during the period under review.