ISLAMABAD: Exports of non-textile products dropped by over17 percent to $1.066 billion in the first two months of 2016-17 from $1.29bn a year earlier, according to data compiled by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

Cement exports dropped 11.46pc in value and 9.19pc in quantity during JulyAugust of FY17 from a year ago. This decline is mainly driven by drop in exports to South Africa because of antidumping duties.

The food group registered a decline of 23.15pc duringthe period under review compared to the same period of the last year.

Break-up of the food group show, rice exports fell 24.99pc in value and 23.07pc in terms of quantity. Basmati riceexportsdropped28.38pc in value and 26.54pc in quantity. Other rice varieties witnessed a decline of 22.89pc in value and 20.92pc in quantity.

The exports of fish and its products edged lower by 9.81pc in value and 7.44pc in quantity as compared to last year. Sugar exports declined 100pc in terms of quantity and 100pc in value, while that of spices dipped 4.23pc in value and 1.81pc in quantity.

Exports earnings from fruits surged 56.99pc in value and 60.99pc in quantity, while vegetables witnessed a decline of 43.11pc in value and 41.68pc in quantity.

Meat and meat preparation, however, posted a year-on-year negative growth of 38.29pc in value and 36.75pc in quantity despite the government`s incentives provided tothe livestock sector.

Exports of petroleum and coal groups fell 68.02pc year-on-year on account of a 100pc decline in petroleum crude in July-Aug 2016. However, petroleum top naphta witnessed a growth of 100pc in terms of value.

Exports of carpets, rugs and mats dropped both in value 11.52pc and quantity 9.20pc. Proceeds from tanned leather fell 10.56pc in value and 8.24pc in quantity during the months under review. On the other hand, exports of surgical goods andmedical instruments fell 9.38pc in value.

Besides, exports of sports goods dropped 5.61pc in value.

Footwear exports dropped 3.20pc in first two months of the current fiscal year from a year ago. This shows that GSP plus zero market access did not help to accelerate exports from the sector. Last year footwear exports to EU increased because of GSP plus scheme.

Exports of leather manufactured products also fell by 11.34pc during the months under review.