ISLAMABAD: Exports to European countries grew 8.32 per cent in the first half of 2024-25, mainly due to higher shipments to western states.

In absolute terms, Pakistan`s exports to the European Union (EU) reached $4.429 billion in July-December FY25 from $4.089bn last year, according to data compiled by the State Bank of Pakistan.

The export resurgence was 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, and Belgium, accounts for the largest portion of Pakistan`s exports to the EU. The exports to this region increased by 12.16pc to $2.186bn in 6MFY25, up from $1.949bn in 6MFY24.

There is also a slight increase in exportstoeasternandnorthernEurope.

The exports to the north of Europe saw a rise of 14.29pc to $353.42m in 6MFY25, up from $309.22m in the corresponding months last year.Exports to southern Europe saw a paltry growth of 0.06pc to $1.525bn in 6MFY25 from $1.524bn in the corresponding period last year. In this region, exports to Spain dipped 3.07pc to $724.92m in 6MFY25 from $747.93m in the preceding year.

Exports to Italy increased 0.18pc to $569.35m in 6MFY25 compared to $568.29m in the same period last year.

Exports to Greece recorded a marginal increase of 7.77pc to $70.84m during the year under review against $65.73m over the previous year. However, exports to eastern Europe grew 18.75pc to $364.89m from $307.26m in the correspondingperiodlastyear.

Before Brexit, Pakistan`s major export destination was the United Kingdom. In the post-Brexit period, Pakistan`s exports to the UK slightly went up to $1.10bn in 6MFY25 from $1.02bn over the corresponding period oflastyear,anincrease of7.84pc.

In FY24, Pakistan`s exports increased by 2.33pc to $2.014bn to the UK from $1.968bn in the pre ceding year.

Pakistan`s exports to western Europe increased by 12.16pc to $2.186bn in 6MFY24 from $1.949bn last year.

Exports to Germany surged 15.11pc to $843.72m in 6MFY24 from $732.97m.

Similarly, exports to the Netherlands, the second biggest market for Pakistani goods, increased 10.79pc to $742.73m in 6MFY25 from $670.39m over the correspondingperiod oflastyear.

Exports to France rose 10.40pc to $280.56m in 6MFY24 from $254.12m, followed by a 7.55pc rise to Belgium`s $298.95m against $277.96m.