Pakistan’s exports increased by 10% in the first seven months (July–January) of FY2024-25, reaching $19.55 billion, compared to $17.77 billion in the same period last year, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
Imports also recorded a rise of 6.95%, totaling $33.04 billion, up from $30.89 billion in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.
In January 2025, exports stood at $2.92 billion, reflecting a 4.59% year-on-year increase from $2.79 billion in January 2024. Meanwhile, imports reached $5.23 billion, marking a 10.04% rise compared to $4.76 billion in the same month last year.
On a month-on-month basis, exports remained steady, slightly increasing from $2.91 billion in December 2024, while imports declined by 2.3% from $5.36 billion in the previous month.
Experts suggest that while the rise in exports is a positive sign, the increasing trade deficit highlights the need for strategic measures to boost exports and manage import growth effectively.
The trade deficit remained relatively stable at $13.49 billion in the first seven months of the current fiscal year (7MFY25), reflecting an increase of just under 3% from the $13.116 billion recorded during the same period of the previous fiscal year.
However, trade deficit widened by 18% year-on-year (YoY) in January 2025, reaching $2.3 billion, up from $1.96 billion in the same month of the previous year.
Industry experts stress the need for export diversification and market expansion to enhance competitiveness. Without targeted reforms, Pakistan’s trade imbalance may continue to pose challenges for policymakers struggling with external account pressures.
