Pakistan’s exports witnessed a significant decline in the first seven months of the current fiscal year, falling by $1.34 billion, according to official documents.
While several Made-in-Pakistan products recorded sharp drops, textile exports posted a slight increase and some manufacturing segments showed encouraging growth.
According to the document, total exports declined by 7.11% from July to January. Domestic exports fell from $19.58 billion to $18.19 billion during the first seven months of the fiscal year.
However, there was a notable rebound in January alone, when domestic exports surged by 35% to exceed $3 billion, offering some relief amid the broader downturn.
Food exports see major contraction
One of the steepest declines was recorded in food exports. During the seven-month period, food exports dropped by 35%, or $16.2 million, falling from $4.61 billion to $2.98 billion.
Exports of rice, oil seeds, vegetables, jaggery, spices, tobacco and cotton-related products all registered declines. Wheat, fish and fruits, however, bucked the trend and recorded increases, according to the report.
Petroleum, surgical, chemical sectors also hit
Exports of petroleum products, surgical and medical equipment, leather goods and canvas shoes also declined during the period.
Carpets and rugs saw a downturn, along with products made from floor mats, gloves and jaggery. Chemicals, medicines, cutlery, plastic materials and transport equipment were also included among the declining categories.
Additionally, exports of gems, jewellery and handicrafts products recorded a fall.
Textile exports show slight growth
In contrast to the overall decline, textile exports increased slightly by 1.25%, or $134.5 million. Total textile exports during the first seven months stood at $10.90 billion, according to the document.
Exports of raw cotton, cotton yarn, ready-made garments and tents recorded growth, contributing to the sector’s modest overall increase.
Mixed performance in manufacturing sector
Exports of other manufacturing groups declined by 5.17% overall. Manufacturing equipment exports stood at $2.38 billion, though exports of manufacturing equipment rose by 12.73% in January alone.
At the same time, several industrial products posted gains. Exports of auto parts, cement, engineering goods and electric fans increased during the period.
Sports goods exports, including the iconic Made in Pakistan football, hit a record high.
Gains in selected sectors
Exports of electrical machinery, rubber tires, tubes and furniture also rose. Leather garments, footwear and fertilizer exports recorded increases as well, reflecting resilience in certain segments despite broader export pressures.
The data highlights a mixed export landscape for Pakistan, where traditional sectors like food and petroleum faced setbacks, while textiles and select manufacturing industries provided partial support to overall trade performance.
