Surging Trade Deficit
Imports register 21.9 pct YoY rise during Jul-Feb FY08
International commodity prices, domestic supply constraints creates more import demand
Exports register only 7.9 pct growth during Jul-Feb FY08
Trade deficit over $12 bln during first eight months of FY08
Oil prices increase led to sharp surge in imports
Supply shortages of wheat and cotton resulted in more imports
Import bill further inflated due t o purchase of aircrafts, ships, boats
Export of textile register 3.4 pct YoY decline during Jul-Feb FY08
Rising cost of production adversely affected textile exports
Power shortages and political unrest further dampened export growth
Slow down in US economy also affected textile exports
Rising trend in imports likely to continue due to high prices
Pakistan’s exports total $11.7 bln during Jul-Feb FY08
Supply disruption during December 2007 damaged export growth
Exports of cement, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and jewelry helped maintain a decent increase
Textile exports register broad based decline
Domestic cost of production hampering export competitiveness
60 pct exports concentrated in textile sector
PTAs signed with many countries to achieve exports growth
Imports from China and India increased substantially in recent years
Pakistan faces tough competition in textile exports from China, India, Bangladesh
49.3 pct increase in import bill due to higher prices
DAP fertilizer, pal oil prices also increase internationally
Import of textile machinery, cell phones decelerate
Power generating machinery continue to rise
Average fuel oil prices remained at $78.2 per barrel during H1 of FY08
Iranian government imposes restrictions on sale of petrol in border areas
