ISLAMABAD, Sept 21: Export of non-textile products witnessed a decline of 0.61 per cent in the first two months of the current fiscal year from a year ago.

The decline is mainly driven by fall in export of gur, carpets during the months under review, suggested data compiled by the commerce ministry.

In absolute terms, export of non-textile products reached $1.785 billion in July-August 2013 as against $1.796bn in the corresponding months last year.

Analysis of data showed a decline of 4.01pc in export of carpets in July-August this year over previous year. Export of gur declined by 42.55pc, jewellery 82.03pc and handicrafts 100pc during the period under review over last year.

Export of sports goods was up by 1.70pc during the period under review over last year.

Export of footballs recorded a decline of 3.53pc. However, export of gloves was up by 27.93pc.

Pakistan’s export of cement was up 5.72pc, molasses 7,546pc, furniture 10.54pc and gems 17.68pc during July-August period of 2013.

Contrary to this, exports of surgical goods and medical instruments was up by 10.32pc, engineering goods 32.05pc and leather manufacturers 9.85pc during the period under review over the previous year.

An official in the commerce ministry said that Pakistan’s traditional products exports witnessed a substantial decline in the current fiscal year owing to many factors, including high energy cost, low demand from emerging leading markets because of recession.Similarly, the official said that these products were also facing stiff competition from China and India on the international market as well.

Major export items of food are rice, fruits, vegetables, fish and meat. However, export of meat, wheat, oil, spices and fish witnessed an increase while the other declined during the first two months of the current fiscal year.

The official said the impact of reduced food exports is because of reduced export of basmati rice to Iran through legal channels. The dearth was catered for by Iran from India, he added.

In agriculture sector, rice exports witnessed a growth of over 27.76pc in July-August period this year over last year.

This growth was mainly driven by non-basmati rice exports.