Pakistan’s exports to Middle East fall 8%, imports up 5% in April amid regional conflict

Pakistan’s exports to the Middle East declined 8% year-on-year to $230.079 million in April 2026, reflecting the impact of ongoing regional tensions on the country’s trade flows with Gulf and neighbouring economies, according to data compiled by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

Shipments to the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan declined during the month, while exports to Saudi Arabia recorded marginal growth.

Meanwhile, imports from the Middle East increased 5% year-on-year in April to $1.548 billion from $1.474 billion, mainly driven by higher imports from the UAE, Kuwait and Jordan.

However, imports from Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia declined during the month.

According to the data, this marked the second consecutive monthly contraction in trade flows since March, highlighting Pakistan’s sensitivity to geopolitical developments in regional energy corridors.

Pakistan remains heavily dependent on energy imports from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which together account for around 90% of its energy imports from the region.

During the first 10 months of FY2025-26, Pakistan’s exports to the Middle East declined 2% to $2.635 billion compared to $2.676 billion in the corresponding period last fiscal year.

Imports from the region during July-April FY26 fell 3% to $13.898 billion from $14.370 billion a year earlier.

As a result, Pakistan’s trade deficit with the Middle East narrowed 4% to $11.263 billion during the first 10 months of FY26 compared to $11.694 billion in the same period last year.

Exports to Saudi Arabia declined 4% during July-April FY26 to $583.94 million from $607.21 million, although exports to the kingdom showed some recovery in April.

Imports from Saudi Arabia increased 4% to $3.316 billion during the 10-month period, but declined 2% year-on-year in April.

Exports to the UAE increased marginally by 0.35% to $1.786 billion during July-April FY26 from $1.780 billion last year, although April exports to the UAE declined 7% year-on-year.

Imports from the UAE rose 5% to $6.944 billion during the first 10 months of the fiscal year, while April imports surged 30% year-on-year.

Exports to Bahrain fell 39% in April, while exports to Qatar declined 21%, Kuwait 36% and Jordan 26%.

On the import side, imports from Bahrain plunged 73% and Qatar 97%, while imports from Kuwait and Jordan recorded increases.