ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s exports of nine sectors including value-added textiles posted double-digit growth in the first month 2021-22 compared to the same month a year ago, data compiled by the Ministry of Commerce showed on Thursday.

Growth in exports of value-added sectors contributed to an increase in overall exports from these sectors. One of the reasons for growth in these sectors is due to low-base of last year when export-oriented industries remained closed due to the Covid-19 lockdown and cancellation of orders from international buyers.

In terms of products, exports of garments, home textiles, jerseys, fruits and vegetable ethyl alcohol, stockings and socks, maize and plastics increased during July compared with July 2020. On the other hand, the exports of rice, meat, cement, tents, decreased.

Exports of men’s garments products were up by 23pc to $406 million in July against $329m over the last year, followed by a 9pc increase in home textiles to $380m against $349m last year.

An increase of 46pc in jerseys and pullovers to $81m was noted against $56m over the corresponding months of last year.

Similarly, exports of fruits and vegetables posed a growth of 20pc to $61m in July against $51m over the corresponding months of last year, followed by an increase of 22pc in exports of T-shirts to $49m against $40m in the same period in FY20.

Export proceeds of ethyl alcohol posted growth of 252pc to $47m in July against $13m over the last year, followed by 19pc in stockings and socks to $42m against $36m last year, 1701pc in maize or corn to $36m against $2m of last year and 56pc in plastic to $33m against $21m over the last year.

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2021