By Raza Khan

ISLAMABAD, Aug 4 (INP-WealthPK): Pakistan’s exports of sports goods increased by 31% and reached $364.9 million during the fiscal year 2021-22 as against $278.48 million in FY 2020-21, the Ministry of Commerce reported.

With an addition of 44.84%, football exports rose to $190.67 million in FY22 against $131.64 million during FY21. In terms of quantity, football exports rose to 43.7 million (footballs) in 2021-22 against 30.5 million in 2020-21, with an increase of 43.2%.

The exports of gloves rose by 4.52%, going up to $76.26 million in 2021-22, from $72.96 million during the preceding year. In terms of quantity, exports of gloves grew by 77.44%.

Pakistan’s exports of sports goods other than footballs and gloves were recorded $97.96 million during FY22 as compared to $73.87 million during the preceding fiscal year, with a growth of 32.61%. 

Pakistan’s sports goods manufacturers have called upon the government to provide a comprehensive package to enhance production and exports of sports goods.

Mohsin Masood, Secretary General of Pakistan Sports Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (Psgmea), said while talking to WealthPK that Pakistan’s sports goods industry has the potential of increasing production and enhancing exports up to $500 million by next fiscal year.

Mohsin was of the view that Pakistan’s current exports of sports goods are below than the real potential.

The Psgmea has 500 active sports goods production units under its umbrella in Sialkot city of Punjab province.

Mohsin said an incentives package by the government would attract investment in sports’ goods manufacturing sector.   

Explaining the incentives package, the Psgmea secretary general said the government should reduce excise duty on importing raw material used for manufacturing sports goods. “Raw material such as rubber, leather, aluminum, cork, carbon-fiber, polymers and polyester should be fully or partially exempted from import duty,” Mohsin suggested.

He also called upon the government to provide uninterrupted gas and electricity to sports goods industry at fair price. “Provision of energy on competitive rates will increase production and exports,” the Psgmea secretary general said.

Footballs, soccer balls, volleyballs, rugby balls, basketballs, cricket balls, shuttle cocks, gloves, hockey sticks, sportswear and boxing equipment are the major products of Pakistan’s sports goods industry. 

“Exports of footballs have major share in overall sports goods exports,” the Psgmea secretary general said, adding that exporters should also focus on other products to take maximum advantage.  

He also demanded the government to explore new markets for Pakistan’s sports goods through diplomatic channels. “The government should also activate its trade missions in various regions to identify new markets,” Mohsin suggested.   

He also urged the manufacturers to adopt modern techniques of production to meet all the export standards set by various countries. He said that sports goods industry in Sialkot was already producing world-class products. 

According to Trade Development Authority of Pakistan, the United States, Spain, Germany, the UK, Japan, France and the Netherlands are the top export destinations for Pakistan’s sports goods.  

Credits: Independent News Pakistan—Wealthpk