Pakistani exports grow by 10.57 percent

ISLAMABAD, Jan 10 (APP): Pakistan’s exports during the first half of current financial year were recorded at $ 9.57 billion as compared to $ 8.65 billion exports in the corresponding period of last financial year, showing increase of 10.57 per cent.

However, exports were reduced by 14.18 per cent during the month of December by dipping from $1.52 billion in the last month to $1.31 billion, according to provisional figures released by Federal Bureau of Statistics (FBS) here on Saturday.

According to FBS figures, as compared to December 2007, exports from the country witnessed nominal decrease of 0.7 percent.  On the other hand, imports into the country during July‑December (2008‑09) witnessed increase of 12.87 percent as against the same period of last financial year.

Imports during the first six months of current financial year were recorded at $19.13 billion as against $16.95 billion registered during July‑December (2007‑08).

However, as compared to November 2008, imports during the month of December declined by 21.92 percent. Imports during December were recorded at $2.12 billion as against imports of $2.72 billion recorded during November.

As compared to the imports of 2.34 billion recorded during December 2007, imports during the same month of current financial year witnessed decrease of 9.45 percent.

Based on the FBS provisional figures, trade deficit during July‑December (2008‑09) was recorded at $ 9.55 billion, showing an increase of 15.27 percent over the budget deficit of $ 9.55 billion recorded during the first half of 2007‑08 financial year.