The country's exports witnessed 41.1 percent growth in March 2011 as compared to March 2010. According to the statistics of Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), Pakistan's exports showed continued strength as is evident from the latest trade data available. The exports during March, 2011 were $2.5 billion, 41.1 percent higher than last year's corresponding period.
The cumulative exports for the period July-March 2011 totalled $17.8 billion, as against $14.1 billion during the corresponding period of last year, showing an increase of 26.5 percent. Group-wise exports during the said period showed rapid growth in every sector. Textile sector registered a growth of 44 percent during the said period. Similarly, the food, manufacturing and petroleum sectors recorded positive growth of 56.4 percent, 21.3 percent and 13.9 percent, respectively.
Textile sector was the driving agent in reaching this level of export. Knitwear and cotton cloth were the top export products and their exports grew by 32.7 percent and 28.6 percent, respectively. Bed-wear, cotton yarn, readymade garments were the items which each crossed the $1 billion mark during nine months of the fiscal year 2010-11. Rice (other varieties) exports decreased a little. However, the growth of Basmati rice was positive. Export of chemicals surged by 21 percent, towels by 17.3 percent and petroleum products by 18.1 percent.