Export of major textile and clothing items has gone down drastically despite 3.67% increase in overall exports during the first six months July-December of the current fiscal. According to the provisional figures the total exports during July-December stood at $8.715 billion or 3.67% higher over the corresponding period when exports stood at $8.407 billion. However, major textile and clothing categories, which constitute around 65% to 70% of total exports, registered decline.

The textile sector is depressed on reports of closures and the owners of existing units have lost hope of any major incentive from the Government for their revival. The value-added sector, which mostly comprises of small and medium-size units, is the hardest hit as it could not compete in the world market.

About 10 major textile categories recorded a steep fall during the period under review with yarn and towels registering highest fall of 19.61% and 14.80%, respectively.

The official figures further disclosed that the bedware exports declined to $915 million or 10.91% over the corresponding period last year when their exports stood at $1.027 billion. Similarly, knitwear (hosiery) was lower at $975 million or 7.74% over the same period last year when they stood at $1.057 billion. Export of cotton cloth during July-December registered a fall of 10.85% at $886 million from $993 million achieved earlier.