ISLAMABAD: Export of non-textile products witnessed a growth of 8.399 per cent in the first quarter of this fiscal year from a year ago.

The increase in exports from these sectors was mainly driven by surge in export of petroleum products, sports goods, leather products and molasses during the period under review, suggested data compiled by the commerce ministry.

In absolute terms, the export of non-textile products reached to $3.136 billion in July-Sept 2013-14 as against $2.893 billion in the corresponding period last year.

Analysis of data showed a massive growth in export of petroleum products to $520.495 million in the quarter under review against $0.287 million the same period last year. Naphtha led the growth in the petroleum sector export.

The export of sports goods registered 8.20 per cent growth during the quarter over the same period last year. Foreign sales of footballs jumped 9.08pc and gloves by 29.60pc.

The surge in export of footballs is an encouraging sign because it has been witnessing a negative growth for the last few years.

The export of tanned leather witnessed a growth of 15.94pc.

Leather products export also witnessed a growth of 10.25pc over the last year. The export of leather garments rose 14.11 per cent during the quarter under review.

Exports of cement showed a growth of 1.86pc and furniture 6.45pc during the period under review.

Similarly, export of footwear witnessed a growth of 21.45pc in July-Sept 2013 over the last year. This growth was mainly driven by 29.79pc growth in exports of leather footwear.

The export of surgical goods and medical instruments witnessed a growth of 7.22pc and engineering goods 54.21pc during the period under review over the last year.

Contrary to these positive developments, the export of carpets in July-Sept this year witnessed a negative growth of 3.75pc over the previous year. Export of gur declined by 45.34pc, jewellery 83.61pc and handicrafts 100pc during the period under review over the last year.

Pakistan’s traditional products export has witnessed substantial decline in the last fiscal years owing to many factors including the high energy cost, low demands from the emerging leading markets because of recession.

Similarly, the official said that these products were also facing stiff competition from China and India on the international market as well.

However, the export of meat, oil, spices, tobacco, pulses, vegetables, fruits and fish has witnessed an increase while the other declined during the first three months of the current fiscal year.

In the agriculture sector, the rice exports witnessed a growth of over 10.84pc in July-Sept period this year over the last year.

This growth was mainly driven by non-basmati rice exports. Export of basmati rice witnessed a decline of 11.15pc during the period under review.