Exporters urge govt to address cost pressures

In its letter, PRGMEA has asked the government to take necessary steps immediately to overcome the rising challenges that have become an obstacle for Pakistani garment exporters.

PRGMEA North Zone President Imran Salahuddin says that exporters are suffering from rising prices of oil, increasing electricity charges, higher gas rates, high finance costs, delays in refund payments, and disruption of shipments due to which it is becoming increasingly difficult for exporters to stay competitive in international market.

According to him, the new petroleum pricing policy that was recently introduced by government has also increased the level of uncertainties for exporters who book their orders several months before at fixed prices.

"Pakistani exporters can't just increase their prices whenever they see increases in cost of energy and freight charges," he says.

The problem has been compounded by the national transporters' strike which has entered its fifth day and resulted in serious problems for exporters because of the disruption in cargo movement and refusal of warehouses to take in more shipments resulting in stranded export containers at factories.