Pakistan’s exports of merchandise fell in the first quarter of the fiscal year mainly because of a drop in textile and non-textile exports, data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) shows.Textile proceeds fell 6 per cent while those of non-textile dropped over 14pc year-on-year in the first three months of 2016-17. Owing to the persistent decline in export proceeds, the Ministry of Commerce has already suggested the export target of $35bn under the three-year Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STPF) 2016-18 is difficult to achieve, reports the Dawn.In July-September, exports of ready-made garments increased 3.04pc while those of bed wear rose 2.82pc on an annual basis.Last year, exports of ready-made garments witnessed nominal growth despite a fall in exports of all other products.However, exports of knitwear, another value-added product, decreased 3.85pc during the period under review. The decline is despite the fact that the European Union’s Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) Plus provides Pakistani textiles and clothing with zero-duty market access. Exports of primary commodities such as cotton yarn and cotton cloth registered negative growth of 20.68pc and 3.90pc, respectively.Exports of towels declined 17.05pc during the quarter. However, exports of cotton carded witnessed growth of 405.56pc over the corresponding period of the preceding year. Exports of tent/canvas went up 74.24pc while exports of made-up articles, excluding towels, rose 0.35pc during the period under review.In the non-textile sector, cement exports dropped 11.86pc, which was due to declining exports to South Africa following the imposition of anti-dumping duties.Exports of the food group registered a decline of 20.09pc. A break-up of the food group shows that rice exports fell 27.95pc. Exports of fish and fish preparations declined 1.65pc while sugar exports decreased 100pc. The dip in the exports of spices remained 3.97pc.Export earnings from fruits surged 61.43pc while proceeds of vegetable exports witnessed a decline of 41.70pc during the period under review. Meat and meat preparations, however, posted negative growth of 25.77pc despite the government’s incentives to the livestock sector.Exports of petroleum and coal groups fell 32.75pc year-on-year on account of a 56.41pc decline in petroleum crude in July-September. However, petroleum top naphta exports witnessed growth of 100pc during the period under review.Exports of carpets, rugs and mats dropped 3.47pc. Proceeds from tanned leather fell 12.01pc during the months under review. Exports of surgical goods and medical instruments decreased 8.60pc. Exports of sports goods dropped 10.37pc.
