ISLAMABAD: Pakistan`s exports to European countries resurged in the Erst quarter ofthe currentñscalyear primarily due to higher shipments to western states.

In absolute terms, Pakistan`s exports to the European Union (EU) rose 7.88pc to $2.204 billion in the July-September FY25 from $2.043bn in the same period last year, according to data compiled by the State Bank of Pakistan.

The increase was mainly due to a slight increase in demand for Pakistani goods in western, eastern, and northern Europe. In FY24, Pakistan`s exports to the EU dipped 3.12pc to $8.240bn despite its GSP+ status, which allows duty-free entry into most European markets.

In October 2023, the European Parliament unanimously voted to extend the GSP+ status for another four years until 2027 for developing countries, including Pakistan, to enjoy duty-free or minimum duty on European exports.

western Europe, which includes countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, France, Italy, andBelgium, accounts for the largest portion of Pakistan`s exports to the EU.

The exports to this region increased by 12.04pc to $1.088bn in 3MFY25, up from $0.971bn in 1QFY24.

While exports to western Europe increased and recorded a paltry growth to Eastern and northern Europe,there is a silver lining in the form of an uptick in exports to eastern Europe. The exports to northern Europe saw an increase of 9.89pc to $165.500m in 3MFY25, up from $150.602m in the corresponding months last year.

Exports to southern Europe saw a paltry decline of 0.144pc to $772.633m in 3MFY25 from $773.748m in the corresponding period last year. In this region, exports to Spain dipped 3.32pc to $354.81m in 3MFY25 from $367.03m in the preceding year.

Exports to Italy declined 0.84pc to $296.62m in 3MFY25 compared to $299.16m in the same period last year.

Exports to Greece recorded a marginal increase of 6pc to $31.64m during the year under review.

However, exports to eastern Europe witnessed a growth of 19.96pc. The export value to this region stood at $178.252m, up from $148.588m in the correspondingperiodlastyear.