ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s non-textile exports shrank 5.63 per cent year-on-year to $2.01 billion in the first quarter of current 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 showed.

In the pre-Covid-19 period, an upward trend was noticed in exports of non-textile products, largely driven by depreciation of the rupee.

Few value-added sectors have maintained growth in proceeds despite lockdown such as leather garments, surgical instruments and engineering goods.

The data compiled by the PBS showed the food basket contracted 17.87pc in the first quarter from a year ago. Under this category, exports of rice witnessed a decline of 23.47pc. On the other hand, basmati exports dipped 33.45pc in value and 35.49pc in quantity.

Export of fish and fish products declined by1.55pc while that of fruits dipped by 15.91pc. However, foreign sale of vegetables surged by 11.58pc, tobacco 21.80pc, spices 17.9pc, and meat products 7.98pc during the months under review.

No exports of wheat, sugar, and pulses following the imposition of ban from the country in the month of March.

After a long time, leather exports also rebounded by 10.83pc, driven mainly by sales of leather garments, gloves, followed by other products. The exports of engineering goods went up 19.31pc during the period under review.

Footwear exports went down by 9.88pc on the back of leather footwear. However, exports of canvas footwear was up over 15pc. The exports of surgical goods, and medical instruments declined by 1.45pc.

Contrary to these, exports of carpets and rugs decreased in value by 9pc and in quantity by 24pc during the first quarter from a year ago. However, those of sports goods went down 11.84pc with football dipping by 22.87pc. Tanned leather exports also plunged 40.25pc.

Year-on-year, exports of jewellery surged 112.53pc, gems 11.37pc and cement 8.27pc.

The exports of furniture dipped 16.36pc, molasses 78.91pc, and gur 1.88pc.

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2020