ISLAMABAD: The export of traditional products increased by over 20 per cent to $4.367 billion during the first five months of the current financial year from $3.633 billion over the same period last year.

The export of sports, footwear and engineering goods registered a growth during the July-Nov period despite a lacklustre demand of traditional items in Europe – one of the main markets for Pakistan’s traditional items – because of euro zone debt crisis.

The government projected an export target of $10 billion for traditional products in the budget 2011-12. A constant depreciation of rupee and demand for Pakistan’s traditional products in other markets triggered prospects of increase in exports.

According to figures released by the commerce ministry, the export of carpets increased by 4.21 per cent during the first five months of the current fiscal year. Pakistani carpets compete with those from China, Turkey and Afghanistan in the international market.

The export of sports goods declined by 0.56 per cent during the July-Nov period, but that of football rose by 10.87 per cent.

The export of gloves dropped by 9.28 per cent because of stiff competition from China.

The export of footwear products increased by 0.92 per cent.

The export of leather footwear increased by 30.87 per cent, but that of canvas footwear declined by 35.50 per cent and others by 54.42 per cent.

The export of surgical goods and medicinal instruments increased by 19.30 per cent and that of engineering goods by 45.95 per cent.

The export of leather products declined by 0.83pc. The export of leather garments fell by 10.88 per cent, but that of leather gloves up by 39.65 per cent.