Downturn in exports of non-textile goods.

ISLAMABAD -- Amid a global economic slowdown, Pakistan's exports of non-textile products decreased 0.65 per cent year-on-year to $5.54 billion in the first half of FY23.

The stagnation in export proceeds of the non-textile sector was noted since the start of the current fiscal year as demand slowed down in the buyers' market. No growth was recorded in exports since September 2022 on a year-on-year basis, according to data compiled by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

In FY22, the non-textile exports posted a growth of 25.85pc. In the value-added leather sector, exports of leather garments fell by 6.77pc. The export of leather gloves rose 5.47pc in July-December of 2022-23. Contrary to this, the exports of raw leather also decreased by 8.63pc.

The export of cement dipped by 40.45pc during the first six months this year from a year ago.

Pakistan is one of the main suppliers of global surgical instruments. However, these instruments are re-marketed in western countries by famous brands. As a result, the...