Non-textile exports contract in five months
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s non-textile exports shrank 1.85 per cent year-on-year to $3.7 billion in the first five months of this fiscal year due to delays of orders amid Covid-19-related closures in major export markets, latest data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) showed.
The non-textile sector was yet to receive export orders in the post first wave of Covid-19. However, the growth was only seen in the value-added textile products during July-November period of 2020-21.
Three sectors — leather garments, surgical instruments and engineering goods — have maintained growth in export proceeds despite lockdowns in many countries.
The data compiled by the PBS showed the food basket contracted 12.44pc in the July-November period from a year ago. Under this category, exports of rice witnessed a decline of 12.58pc. On the other hand, basmati exports dipped 24.46pc in value and 28.41pc in quantity.
Export of fish and fish products declined by 9.72pc while that of fruits dipped by 9.62pc, foreign sales of vegetables dipped by 5.91pc, and spices 1.62pc. However, exports of tobacco up by 9.7pc, and meat products 6.34pc during the months under review.
No exports of wheat, sugar, and pulses following the imposition of ban from the country in March.
After a long time, leather exports also rebounded by 5.66pc, driven mainly by sales of leather garments, gloves, followed by other products. The exports of engineering goods went up 17.71pc and surgical instruments 1.84pc during the period under review.
Footwear exports went down by 8.66pc on the back of leather footwear. However, exports of canvas footwear was up over 63.39pc.
Contrary to these, exports of carpets and rugs decreased in value by 2.58pc and in quantity by 19.92pc during the first five months from a year ago. However, those of sports goods went down 14.03pc with football dipping by 23.91pc. Tanned leather exports also plunged 34.95pc.
Year-on-year, exports of jewellery surged 85.86pc, and handicraft 100pc. However, the exports of gems dipped 2.61pc, furniture 10.66pc, molasses 73.08pc, and gur 0.4pc.
Published in Dawn, December 27th, 2020