ISLAMABAD: (APP) Food group exports from the country during first eight months of current financial year decreased by 11.79 percent, whereas imports into the country increased by 13.47 percent as compared the corresponding period of last year.
According the data of Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, food group imports into the country during the period from July-February, 2016-17 was recorded at US$ 3.970 billion as compared the imports of US$ 3.498 billion of same period of last year.
Meanwhile, during the period under review, food group exports from the country was recorded at US$ 2.339 billion as compared the exports of US$ 2.652 billion of same period of last year.
Fish and fish preparations exports from the country during 8 months of current financial year increased by 12.99 percent as compared the exports of the corresponding period of last year.
During the period from July-February, 2016-17, about 87,997 metric tons of fish and fish products worth US$ 239.798 million exported as compared the exports of 80,340 metric tons valuing US$ 212.221 million of same period of last year.
Meanwhile, in last 8 months spices exports from the country grew by 8.89 percent as 14,198 metric tons of spices valuing US$ 51.918 million exported as compared to 12,822 metric tons worth 47.678 million of same period of last year.
Country earned US$ 27.1 million by exporting 18,771 metric tons of oil seeds, nuts and kernals in 8 months as against the exports of 13,354 metric tons valuing US$ 18.495 million of same period of last year.
The commodities which recorded negative growth in their exports during the period under review included rice by 14.54 percent, fruit and vegetables by 6 percent and 22 percent respectively.