46
Annual Analytical Report on External Trade Statistics of Pakistan
2 0 2 4
F Y
appreciated for their stylish designs and fine finishing.
These products cater to both utility and fashion, earning
Pakistan a strong reputation in the international leather
goods industry. The combination of skilled labour and
premium raw materials further enhances the appeal of
these exports.
Table 30: Pakistan’s Leather Exports (FY 2024 vs FY 2023)
Commodities
VALUE (MILLION US$)
FY 2024
FY 2023
% CHANGE
% SHARE
LEATHER & LEATHER
PRODUCT
808
887
-8.9
LEATHER TANNED
138
68
-17.9
17.0
LEATHER GARMENTS
249
81
-11.3
30.8
LEATHER GLOVES
283
81
0.7
35.0
OTHER LEATHER MAN
UFACTURES
14
5
-11.5
1.7
LEATHER FOOTWEAR
125
142
-12.1
15.5
Challenges Faced by the Leather Industry
• The leather industry displayed vulnerability due
to several persistent challenges during FY 2024:
1. Rising Input Costs:
The cost of raw materials, particularly hides and
chemicals used in tanning, increased significantly,
impacting profit margins for exporters. Energy costs
and supply chain disruptions also contributed to higher
production costs.
2. Global Competition:
Pakistan faced stiff competition from other leather-
exporting nations like India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam.
These countries offer similar products at competitive
prices, making it challenging for Pakistani exporters to
maintain their market share.
3. Stringent Environmental Regulations:
Environmental
compliance
in
some
export
destinations, especially in the EU, has become stricter.
Pakistani leather exporters had to invest more in
environmentally friendly production processes to meet
these regulatory requirements, which required additional
resources and expertise.
1.1.1.20. Leather Tanned Export
Pakistan’s leather industry is an important part of the
country’s export portfolio, contributing significantly to
foreign exchange earnings. The tanning sector, which
involves processing raw hides and skins into finished
leather, plays a crucial role in this industry. In FY 2024,
Pakistan’s export of tanned leather continued to face
both opportunities and challenges, influenced by global
market trends, shifting demand, and internal industry
dynamics. In FY 2024, Pakistan exported tanned leather
to a wide range of international markets. Although the
industry experienced fluctuations due to global economic
uncertainty, it maintained a steady output.
Table 31: Pakistan’s Tanned Leather Exports by Volume and Value
YEAR
EXPORT VOLUME
(MT)
EXPORT VALUE
(MILLION US$)
FY 2024
9,864
138
FY 2023
10,082
168
Key Export Markets
Pakistan’s tanned leather exports declined to US$138
million in FY 2024, a 17.9 percent drop from the
previous year, while export quantities decreased slightly
by 2.2 percent to 9,864 metric tons. Vietnam remained
the top importer, with exports valued at US$29 million,
nearly unchanged from FY 2023, despite a 14.2 percent
decrease in quantity. Italy, the second-largest market,
saw an 18.9 percent decline in export value and a
marginal 1.6 percent reduction in quantity. Similarly,
China experienced a 17.1 percent decrease in value, but
quantities increased by 36 percent, reflecting growing
demand for lower-cost leather materials.
Table 32: Top Tanned Leather Export Market During FY2024
COUNTRY
EXPORT VALUE
(MILLION US$)
EXPORT QUANTITY
(MT)
FY
2024
FY
2023
%
Change
FY
2024
FY
2023
%
Change
LEATHER
TANNED
138
168
-17.9
9,864
10,082
-2.2
Viet Nam
29
29
-0.4
1,361
1,587
-14.2
Italy
25
30
-18.9
2,184
2,219
-1.6
China
18
22
-17.1
2,248
1,653
36
Spain
8
12
-28
478
695
-31.2
Indonesia
8
10
-21.8
498
543
-8.3
Bangladesh
8
11
-31.3
353
527
-33.1
Hong Kong
5
6
-16.7
265
262
1.3
Cambodia
4
4
2.8
207
245
-15.4
Turkey
4
5
-25.4
355
315
12.8
U.S.
America
4
3
17.5
270
206
31.3
Germany
4
4
-9.4
139
163
-14.9
South Africa
3
3
-4.5
312
167
86.9
South Korea
3
4
-34.1
96
174
-45
Portugal
2
4
-32.3
258
196
31.7
Netherlands
1
2
-1.3
92
67
37.7
France
1
2
-21.1
60
69
-12.3
Austria
1
2
-16.2
79
67
17.7
Japan
1
2
-24.7
69
67
2.8
Singapore
1
0
115
51
19
169.5
Annual Analytical Report on External Trade Statistics of Pakistan 2 0 2 4 F Y 47 SECTION-1 2024 Other key markets such as Spain, Indonesia, and Bangladesh witnessed significant drops in both value and quantity, with declines ranging from 21.8 percent to 31.3 percent. Conversely, some markets showed resilience or growth. Exports to the U.S. increased by 17.5 percent in value and 31.3 percent in quantity, while South Africa and Portugal experienced quantity growth of 86.9 percent and 31.7 percent, respectively. Singapore emerged as a promising market with a 115 percent surge in export value and a 169.5 percent rise in quantity, indicating potential for diversification in Pakistan’s leather export destinations. 1.1.1.21. Leather Garments Export
The leather garments sector is a vital part of Pakistan’s export industry, renowned for its high-quality craftsmanship and value-added products. Leather jackets and other leather apparel have been in high demand internationally, especially in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. During FY 2024, Pakistan’s export of leather garments witnessed both growth and challenges, driven by evolving market conditions and global trends. Key Export Markets Table 33: Top 20 Leather Garments Export Market During FY2024 COUNTRY EXPORT VALUE (MILLION US$) EXPORT QUANTITY (TH. DOZ) FY 2024 FY 2023 % CHANGE FY 2024 FY 2023 % CHANGE LEATHER GAR MENTS 249 281 -11.3 1,885 1,483 27.1 Germany 56 63 -11.9 190 226 -16.2 U.S. America 41 54 -23.2 417 431 -3.3 Russian Fed eration 24 13 88.4 49 53 -7 Netherlands 17 20 -16.4 48 94 -49.2 Spain 16 13 22.8 60 55 9.5 United King dom 15 17 -9.9 94 86 10.1 France 13 19 -33.3 37 77 -51.9 Poland 11 9 14.3 31 36 -13.8 Italy 9 9 -0.5 39 35 11.8 Canada 6 8 -22.1 34 51 -32.9 Belgium 5 5 3.6 40 20 97.9 Australia 5 4 4.1 48 39 23.6 Japan 4 4 -17.2 31 18 70.5 Greece 3 3 7.9 16 11 42.1 United Arab Emirates 3 2 93.4 235 19 1,141.80 South Africa 2 2 2.4 158 11 1,334.50 Sweden 2 3 -32.3 13 21 -38.1 South Korea 2 0 222.6 10 11 -13.3 Denmark 1 2 -29.9 6 12 -49.3 Czech Re public 1 2 -17 18 11 63.8 In FY 2024, Pakistan’s leather garments exports totalled US$249 million, marking an 11.3 percent decline compared to FY 2023. Despite this, export quantity rose significantly by 27.1 percent to 1,885 thousand dozen. Germany remained the top market, with US$56 million in exports, though it declined by 11.9 percent, and quantity dropped 16.2 percent. The U.S. showed a sharp 23.2 percent decline in value, despite a modest 3.3 percent dip in quantity. The Russian Federation saw the highest growth in value at 88.4 percent, while South Africa and the UAE exhibited exceptional quantity increases of 1,334.5 percent and 1,141.8 percent, respectively. In contrast, markets like France and Denmark faced steep declines in both value and quantity. 1.1.1.22. Leather Gloves Export In FY 2024, Pakistan’s leather gloves exports experienced marginal growth in value, reaching US$283 million, a 0.7 percent increase compared to US$281 million in FY 2023. This reflects a steady demand for the product in international markets despite challenging global economic conditions. The slight rise in export value indicates Pakistan’s resilience in maintaining its position as a key player in the leather gloves industry. Export quantity also showed a modest increase of 0.3 percent, climbing from 9,570 thousand dozen in FY 2023 to 9,603 thousand dozen in FY 2024. This consistency in export volume suggests stable production and supply chain capabilities. The minimal changes in both value and quantity highlight the importance of sustaining quality and exploring new markets to achieve more significant growth in the future. Key Export Markets The U.S. remained the largest market, contributing US$88 million, but export quantity to the U.S. dropped significantly by 20.8 percent, reflecting shifting demand patterns. Canada saw a 9.7 percent decline in value and a sharp 45.3 percent reduction in quantity, while Germany recorded a 1 percent dip in value but a notable 19.5 percent increase in quantity, indicating competitive pricing or higher demand. Emerging markets demonstrated robust growth. Poland’s export value rose by 18.6 percent, with an impressive 121.1 percent surge in quantity, and South Africa showed a 21.3 percent value increase and a 110.9 percent rise in quantity. Saudi Arabia and the UAE also posted strong growth, with value rising by 20.5 percent
48 Annual Analytical Report on External Trade Statistics of Pakistan 2 0 2 4 F Y and 11.3 percent, respectively, supported by significant increases in quantity. On the other hand, traditional markets like Spain, France, and Australia experienced declines in both value and quantity, underscoring the need for diversified market strategies. Table 34: Top 20 Leather Gloves Export Market During FY2024 COUNTRY EXPORT VALUE (MILLION US$) EXPORT QUANTITY (TH. DOZ) FY 2024 FY 2023 % Change FY 2024 FY 2023 % Change LEATHER GLOVES 283 281 0.7 9,603 9,570 0.3 U.S. America 88 87 0.2 2,222 2,804 -20.8 Canada 29 32 -9.7 637 1,163 -45.3 Germany 26 27 -1 1,043 873 19.5 Poland 17 14 18.6 992 449 121.1 Sweden 11 11 2.2 384 378 1.6 United King dom 9 8 13.9 252 271 -6.9 Saudi Arabia 8 7 20.5 306 222 38.1 U.A.E 8 7 11.3 329 229 43.8 Spain 7 8 -14.5 294 294 0.1 South Africa 6 5 21.3 356 169 110.9 Norway 6 5 29.3 122 158 -22.9 Belgium 6 6 0.4 182 212 -14.2 Australia 5 6 -4.5 127 194 -34.5 Italy 5 4 15.8 260 154 68.7 Netherlands 5 5 -2.5 170 160 6 France 5 6 -18.6 147 184 -20.1 Finland 5 5 -9.6 223 205 8.9 Estonia 3 2 59.2 167 76 119.6 Denmark 2 2 4.1 84 86 -2.1 Czech Republic 2 3 -24.3 94 153 -38.5 1.1.1.23. Leather Footwear Export Leather footwear is one of Pakistan’s key export commodities within the leather goods sector, contributing significantly to the country’s overall exports. In FY 2024, the global demand for leather footwear remained robust due to fashion trends, increased outdoor activities, and greater demand for durable, high-quality leather shoes. Leather footwear is popular worldwide due to its durability, comfort, and fashion appeal. Major markets like Europe, North America, and the Middle East continued to drive demand in FY 2024. Pakistan’s leather footwear is recognized for its quality craftsmanship and competitive pricing, making it a favoured choice for international buyers. The increasing awareness of eco-friendly leather production practices have further bolstered the demand for Pakistani leather footwear in global markets. Table 35: Pakistan’s Leather Footwear Exports by Region FY 2024 COUNTRY EXPORT VALUE (MILLION US$) EXPORT QUANTITY (TH. DOZ) FY 2024 FY 2023 % Change FY 2024 FY 2023 % Change LEATHER FOOTWEAR 125 142 -12.1 9,472 10,327 -8.3 Germany 41 48 -15 3,234 3,100 4.3 Italy 20 26 -23.6 1,278 1,754 -27.2 Netherlands 16 15 9.1 896 790 13.3 U.S. America 11 12 -6.4 700 676 3.6 United King dom 5 6 -18.1 357 412 -13.5 Spain 4 4 4.5 313 316 -1.1 United Arab Emirates 3 5 -38.9 301 630 -52.3 Yemen 3 3 3.9 514 490 4.9 Afghanistan 3 2 32.7 337 389 -13.4 France 3 2 26.2 238 157 51.8 Australia 2 3 -38.4 111 182 -38.9 Singapore 2
83
1.1.5. Surgical good & Medical Instruments Export Pakistan is one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of high-quality surgical goods and medical instruments. The surgical goods industry in Pakistan, primarily based in the city of Sialkot, is well-regarded globally for producing a wide range of surgical instruments, including scissors, forceps, scalpels, and other precision instruments. The industry continues to play a significant role in the country’s export earnings, particularly in light of growing global demand for healthcare products. In FY 2024, Pakistan’s exports of surgical goods and medical instruments reached US$445 million, reflecting a slight decline of 0.6 percent compared to US$447 million in FY 2023. This marginal decrease highlights the sector’s stability despite global economic uncertainties, maintaining its position as a key contributor to Pakistan’s export portfolio. Key Markets: The U.S. remained the largest market, growing by 1.2 percent to US$104 million, followed by Germany with US$66 million, despite a 4.2 percent drop. The United Kingdom and France recorded notable growth of 7.3 percent and 14.1 percent, respectively, reflecting increasing demand in Europe. Meanwhile, markets like China and Italy saw declines of 7.5 percent and 13.2 percent, respectively, highlighting challenges in maintaining market share in these regions.