Pakistan’s trade deficit widens 22.6% to $27.8 billion in 9MFY26

Pakistan’s trade deficit increased by 22.65% to $27.81 billion in the first nine months of FY26, compared to $22.67 billion in the same period last year, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

The widening gap was driven by a decline in exports and a rise in imports during July–March FY26. Exports fell 8% to $22.73 billion from $24.72 billion in the corresponding period of FY25.

Imports, meanwhile, rose 6.64% to $50.54 billion, up from $47.39 billion recorded a year earlier, contributing to the overall increase in the trade deficit.

On a monthly basis, exports stood at $2.26 billion in March 2026, down 14.4% from $2.64 billion in March 2025. Imports also declined to $4.99 billion, compared to $5.28 billion in the same month last year.

The trade deficit for March 2026 was recorded at $2.73 billion, up 3.71% year-on-year from $2.63 billion. However, on a month-on-month basis, the deficit narrowed by 9.36% compared to $3.01 billion in February 2026.