ISLAMABAD: Exports of non-textile products fell four per cent year-on-year to $7.99 billion in the outgoing fiscal year.
The exports of these products fell despite the government support, according to the data compiled by the Ministry of Commerce.
The share of these products also fell to 39pc in the outgoing fiscal year from 40pc in the previous year. It clearly reflects that reliance on exports of textile and clothing sectors increased over the past few years.
In the non-textile sector, cement exports dropped 26pc in value and 24pc in quantity due to declining exports to South Africa following the imposition of anti-dumping duties.
Exports of the food group registered a decline of 7pc. A break-up of the food group shows that rice exports fell 13.6pc. The decline in rice export was recorded of both basmati and others. Exports of fruits dipped 10.6pc, while proceeds of vegetable exports witnessed a decline of 12.48pc, meat and its products fell by 17.82pc.
Export earnings from fish and fish preparations increased 21pc, tobacco 35pc, wheat 512pc, spices 10pc, oil seeds and nuts 57pc, and sugar 21pc.
Exports of petroleum and coal groups edged up 18.3pc year-on-year on account of a 30pc increase in petroleum products and petroleum top naphta 3,721pc. However, exports of petroleum crude decline by 26pc and solid fuel by 100pc during the period under review.
Exports of carpets, rugs and mats dropped 19.63pc and sports goods 5.17pc. In the sports goods, the exports of football dropped by 11.77pc. Proceeds from tanned leather fell 4.73pc during the year under review. Exports of surgical goods and medical instruments decreased 5.50pc.
Footwear exports dropped 13pc in the outgoing fiscal year 2016-17. However, exports of leather footwear declined by 9.27pc during the period under review. Exports of leather manufactured products also fell 6.49pc.
Exports of pharmaceutical products witnessed a growth of 3.63pc in the outgoing fiscal year and those of plastic material surged by 14.48pc and guar and its products 19.77pc during the year under review. Exports of gems fell 23.73pc while those of furniture declined 15pc, jewellery 26pc in the outgoing fiscal year 2016-17. Exports of handicrafts rose 73pc and molasses 38pc during the period under review.
Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2017