January 16, 2019 (MLN): Based on the provisional figures of imports and exports, trade deficit in December, 2018 was $2.4 billion. Meanwhile, the cumulative figure from July-December, 2018 was $16.8 billion.
According to provisional figures compiled by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), exports from Pakistan during December, 2018 was around $ 2 billion as compared to $ 1.8 billion in November, 2018 and $1.97 billion in December, 2017 showing an increase of 12.9% month-on-month and 5.5 % year-on-year.
Main commodities of exports during December, 2018 were Knitwear, Readymade garments, Bedwear, Cotton cloth, Rice others, Cotton yarn, Fruits, Towels, Madeup articles (excl. towels & bedwear) and Rice Basmati.
On the other hand, items worth $4.44 billion were imported in December, as compared to $4.63 million imports in November, 2018 and $ 4.88 billion in December, 2017, showing a decrease of 3.93% month-on-month and 8.88% year-on-year.
Main commodities of imports during December, 2018 were Petroleum products, Petroleum crude, Natural Gas Liquefied, Plastic materials, Iron & steel, Palm oil, Electrical machinery & apparatus, Power generating machinery, Iron & steel scrap and Medicinal products.