Pakistan’s rice exports surge 19% in first half of FY25, projected to hit $4.5bn
Exporters overcome global trade challenges; Basmati demand drives growth
Pakistan’s trade deficit widens by 37% YoY to $2.5 billion in December
Cumulative trade deficit rises marginally by 0.4% YoY to $11.2 billion in H1 FY 2024-25
Bangladesh seeks 15,000 tons of sugar import from Pakistan under G2G arrangement
Growing trade ties include sugar and rice exports to address shortages
US sanctions reduce Pakistan exports to Iran to almost nil
Exports to Iran limited to $20,000 last year due to lack of banking channels, hindering business growth
Pakistan’s trade deficit with regional countries surges by 43% in Jul-Dec
Trade imbalance widens due to increased imports from China, India, and Bangladesh; exports to Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka see modest growth
Pakistan’s transit trade faces crisis as new tracking system sparks cost
Emergency tracking arrangement raises concerns over security gaps, rising costs, and regulatory lapses
ECC waives requirement for bank guarantees on Afghan transit cargo
Waiver of bank guarantees applies solely to DAP urea imports
Govt to replace bank guarantee with insurance for Afghan transit trade through Gwadar Port
Move aims to streamline trade, ease doing business, and address concerns of investors and stakeholders
Pakistan, Bangladesh sign MoU for rice export to strengthen trade ties
TCP and Bangladesh’s Food Directorate seal agreement as Pakistan gifts rice in goodwill gesture.
FBR starts human monitoring for Afghan transit cargo
This shift from satellite tracking follows the abrupt termination of license of TPL Trakker; raises smuggling fears
Commerce ministry begins drafting trade and tariff policies for 2025-30
Focus on export competitiveness, tariff rationalization, and achieving $60 billion export target
PM directs shift of 60% public imports, exports to Gwadar Port
Cabinet approves data protection under Peca, MoUs for textile parks and diplomatic training
TCP receives 11 bids for 50,000 metric tons of rice export to Bangladesh
Lowest bid at $498.40 per metric ton; TCP to evaluate offers for final decision
Uzbekistan targets $1 billion trade with Pakistan under bilateral agreement
Ambassador Tukhtaev highlights growing trade ties and investment opportunities
Pakistan Single Window integrates seven major govt bodies to streamline trade data
PSW now includes provincial revenue authorities, TDAP, DRAP, and Special Technology Zone Authority; integration is retrospectively applicable from July 1, 2024