The bar chart illustrates the export earnings of five distinct product categories in 2015 and 2016, while the table provides the corresponding percentage changes.
Overall, petroleum products generated the highest export earnings in both years, while textiles experienced the most significant growth, contrasting with a decline in the gems and jewellery sector.
In 2015, petroleum products led with $61 billion, followed by engineered goods at $57 billion. By 2016, these figures rose to $63 billion and $62 billion, representing increases of 3% and 8.5% respectively. Textiles, which started as the lowest earner at $26 billion in 2015, saw the most substantial growth of 15.24%, reaching $32 billion in 2016. Agricultural products remained relatively stable, starting at $32 billion and rising marginally by 0.81% to reach approximately $32 billion in 2016.
Conversely, gems and jewellery was the only category to witness a downturn. Earnings in this sector fell from $43 billion in 2015 to $41 billion in 2016, reflecting a 5.18% decrease. While petroleum products maintained their position as the primary export earner, the gap between the highest and lowest performing categories narrowed significantly by the end of the period.