Agriculture and manufacturing are the main pillars of Pakistan’s economy, with exports contributing to a considerable amount of its GDP. Understanding the primary export sectors is important for understanding the country’s economic environment and its importance in global trade. Here are the top 10 export sectors of Pakistan, each of which contributes considerably to the economy.
Top 10 Export Sectors of Pakistan
Exports are one of the key aspects of a country’s growth, especially for underdeveloped and developing countries. Every business sector has a role to play and most of these are focused on the economic growth of the state. We have mentioned the top 10 export sectors of Pakistan below.
1. Textiles
The textile sector in Pakistan is directly related to its exports. It will continue to be the backbone of the country’s economy and exports. Pakistan’s textile sector produces complex designs and durable materials that account for 60% of the country’s overall exports. The biggest markets for Pakistani textiles are the United States, the European Union, and China. The country’s high-quality cotton, along with low labour costs, makes it a desirable textile hub.
2. Salt
With salt reserves estimated to reach over 2 billion tonnes, Pakistan appears as a key producer and exporter of salt, ranking as the world’s tenth largest in this industry by 2021. Catering to over 50 nations, its salt is used in a variety of industries, including food processing, animal feed, and water treatment in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and China.
3. Rice
Pakistan, the world’s fourth-largest rice exporter plays an important role in the global agricultural market, with its products particularly popular in China, Malaysia, and Kazakhstan. The Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan serves as an important intermediary, defending its members’ interests while also facilitating governmental and international communication and collaboration.
4. Mangoes
Pakistan is known as the world’s fifth-largest mango producer, and the fruit is its second-largest export. Pakistan produces 110 different varieties of mangoes each year, the most renowned of which are Chaunsa, Sindhri, Langra, Dasehri, Anwar Ratool, Saroli, Toota Pari, Fajri, Neelum, Almas, Sanwal, and Desi. Iran, China, the Middle East, Japan, Hong Kong, and Germany are the top importers of mangoes grown in Pakistan.
5. Football
Pakistan has a famous reputation for producing the highest quality football in the world, among other sporting goods. In 2018, Pakistan exported 37.28 million footballs for $153.018 million to other countries, and Pakistani-made footballs are frequently used in FIFA competitions. Telstar and Brazuca were Pakistani-made footballs that were used at the FIFA World Cups in Russia and Brazil, respectively.
6. Surgical Instruments
Being a top exporter of surgical devices and tools. Pakistan has a high demand for medical services in hospitals and healthcare institutions around the world. Sialkot, a city in Pakistan, is a major manufacturing base for surgical instruments. It has now established itself as an industrial powerhouse for precision instruments that are noted for their great accuracy, durability, and dependability. Pakistan mostly exports surgical products to India, Germany, and Vietnam.
7. Sugar
Pakistan is an agricultural country, and sugar exports are one of its most important economic drivers. The country exports a large volume of refined sugar, which is in high demand on the global market. Produced entirely from sugarcane, its excellence has led to considerable demand all around the world. It is recognized that it is entirely manufactured without any additional or extra substances.
8. Cotton
Cotton growing is well-suited to Pakistan’s environment. This crop is most commonly gathered in Punjab and Sindh, where fertile soil is abundant. As a result, it produces cotton with a high yield while maintaining decent quality. It has a major effect on the country’s economy because it provides a living for many farmers. Pakistan is one of the largest producers of cotton exports, including raw cotton, cotton yarn, and textiles, to meet global textile demand and promote its own industrial development.
9. Grains & Cereals
Rice, millet, barley, rye, and oats are among the many grains and cereals that have long been grown in Pakistan’s lush regions. Rice is one of the country’s most important exports: after Bangladesh, Pakistan is the greatest exporter of rice, particularly ‘Basmati Rice’, which is well-known around the world for its scent and high quality.
10. Leather Goods
Pakistan’s biggest exports include sportswear, shoes, coats, and belts. The country boasts a massive leather sector, complete with well-trained craftspeople and expert leather specialists. E-commerce and internet marketing are playing an important part in the export of Pakistani leather items to European, North American, and Middle Eastern markets.
Pakistan’s exports not only enhance its economy but also showcase the country’s potential. Understanding Pakistan’s imports and exports is crucial to appreciating its financial landscape. From textiles to fruits, these commodities highlight Pakistan’s dynamic and ever-changing export sector.
