Exports jump 22pc in December

Merchandise exports grew for the fourth consecutive month in December, reaching an 18-month high, indicating a recovery of export-led industrial growth. In absolute terms, the export proceeds were recorded at $2.82 billion in December against $2.30bn over the corresponding month last year, indicating a growth of 22.21pc, data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics showed on Tuesday. On a month-on-month basis, the export proceeds increased 9.29pc. The export of goods in the first half of FY24 increased by 5.17pc to $14.98bn against $14.24bn in the corresponding period last year. The continued rise in export proceeds in December suggests that the textile and clothing sectors are beginning to secure orders from global clients following a year of downturn.