Textile exports plunge to 17-year low.

ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan's textile and clothing exports declined by 64.5 per cent in April to $403.834 million year-on-year - the lowest level in almost 17 years - due to order cancellations and shipment delays amid pandemic-led global lockdowns, showed data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Wednesday.

A significant decline was seen in trade shipments since Mar 15 - the date since coronavirus cases spiked in major export destinations especially in Europe and North America.

Moreover, exports through the land routes were almost non-existent during the month as Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan shut down their respective borders to contain the pandemic.

Exports were expected to fall during the month of April as only a few buyers were honouring their import commitments with local manufacturers.

It was only in February when the textile and clothing exports jumped nearly 17pc on a year-on-year basis. This growth was reported after a long time as the past few years had been marred by single-digit increases.

Proceeds totalled $403.8m in April

Details showed exports of ready-made garments diApAped by 73.44pc in value and drifted much lower in quantity by 78.94pc during April while those of knitwear dipped 61.75pc in value and 48.31pc in quantity, bed wear posted negative growth of 57.54pc in value and 57.37pc in quantity.

Towel exports fell 74.07pc in value and 72.78pc in quantity, whereas those of cotton cloth dipped by 69.73pc in value and 78.06pc in quantity.

Exporters are resuming production and seeking permission from provincial and federal governments to allow workers to reach factories. With these developments, exports are likely to revive partially in May.

Among primary commodities, cotton yarn exports dipped by 63.29pc while yarn other than cotton by 70.19pc, made-up articles - excluding towels - by 63.56pc, and raw cotton 100pc. Exports of tents, canvas and...