ISLAMABAD: Exports of non-textile products dipped nearly eight per cent year-on-year to $8.873 billion during July-June in FY20 owing to the cancellation of orders following the coronavirus outbreak since March.

In the pre-Covid-19 period, a consistent increase was noted in the exports of non-textile products in the first seven months of FY20, reversing the declining trend in last few years.

The only products which posted growth in export proceeds in the outgoing fiscal year were rice, meat, fruits, vegetables, tobacco, and footwear. All of the remaining products posted a negative growth during the year under review.

The data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics showed carpet and rug exports declined by 19.33pc during the FY20 from a year ago.

The export of sports goods went down by 14.97pc and foreign sales of footballs dipped by 10.18pc. The export of gloves fell by 26.47pc.

Tanned leather goods witnessed a negative growth of 27.01pc in July-June FY20 from a year ago.

Data showed a year-on-year decline of 24.74pc in exports of petroleum products. Crude, naphtha and petroleum products contributed to the overall decline in the sector’s exports. The exports of leather products dipped by 2.4pc during the year under review. This decline was mainly led by leather garments, leather gloves, followed by other leather products.

Footwear exports went up by 2.86pc on the back of leather footwear, canvas footwear, and others in FY20 from a year ago. However, exports of surgical goods and medical instruments dipped 8.44pc. The export of engineering goods also dipped by 0.05pc during the year under review.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2020