ISLAMABAD: The export of vegetable products from the country grew by 10.80pc during the financial year 2018-19, as compared to the corresponding period of last year, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) reported.
The export of vegetable products from the country during July-June 2018-19 were recorded at $3.38 billion against the export of $3.05 billion during July-June 2017-18.
The food commodities that contributed positively included edible vegetables, the export of which grew from $146.892 million last year to $242.448 million during the current fiscal year, showing a growth of 65.05pc.
The exports of coffee, tea, mate drink and spices increased by 15.58pc, from $104.852 million to $122.246 million, whereas the export of oil seeds and oleaginous fruits increased by 45.03pc, from $75.84 million to $109.99milion.
The export of cereals grew by 6pc, from $2.15 billion to $2.28 billion while the exports of edible fruits and nuts increased by 11.47pc, from $383.419 million last year to $427.790 million.
The export of milling products witnessed a growth of 8.8pc, from $126.639 million to $137.790 million, whereas the export of vegetable planting materials increased by 48.37pc, from $5.705 million to $8.465 million.
It is pertinent to mention that the country’s merchandise trade deficit plunged by 15.33pc during the fiscal year 2018-19, as compared to the corresponding period of last year.
The trade deficit contracted to $31.820 billion during July-June 2018-19, as against the deficit of $37.583 billion recorded during July-June 2017-18.