ISLAMABAD: Nine export-oriented sectors, including value-added textiles, posted double-digit growth in December compared to the same month a year ago, the data compiled by the Ministry of Commerce showed on Tuesday.

Growth in the value-added sectors contributed to an increase in overall exports from the sectors. Highest-ever depreciation of the rupee against the dollar and greater demand from the international market are reasons behind this growth.

The upward trend was seen for the past few consecutive months. In December, the total export proceeds from the country went up by 16.7 per cent to $2.761 billion from $2.366bn over the same period last year.

Exports of men’s garments products were up by 26pc to $459 million in December against $363m over the last year, followed by a 17pc increase in cotton fabric to $189m against $161m last year. An increase of 55pc in jerseys and cardigans exports to $80m was noted against $52m over the corresponding month last year.

Exports of women’s garments increased by 13pc to $84m in December against $74m over the corresponding month of last year, followed by 46pc hike in export of T-shirts to $66m against $45m over the last year and a rise of 11pc in cotton yarn to $107m against $96m.

An increase of 2pc was noted in exports of home textiles to $385m against $377m and 5pc hike in exports of rice to $242m against $232m. The exports of fish and fish products posted a growth of 64pc to $46m in December against $28m over the last year, followed by an increase of 70pc in exports of plastics to $36m against $21m and 45pc in exports of cement to $28m against $19m.

The exports of fruits and vegetables dropped by 19pc to $97m from $119m and surgical instruments fell by 3pc to $36m against $37m.

According to the data, the United States, China, the United Arab Emirates and the Netherlands remained the top destinations of Pakistan’s exports in November from a year ago.

Published in Dawn, January 5th, 2022