Sep 6 – Pakistan’s trade deficit widened by 18.1% year-on-year to $7.12 billion in the first two months of fiscal year 2026/27, according to data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
The deficit rose from $6.03 billion recorded during the same period last year, driven by faster growth in imports.
Imports increased 13% year-on-year to $12.58 billion, up from $11.13 billion, while exports grew 7% to $5.46 billion from $5.10 billion.
On a monthly basis, the trade deficit narrowed 19.7% in August to $3.17 billion from $3.95 billion in July. Imports fell 17.7% to $5.68 billion, while exports declined 15% to $2.51 billion.
Despite the monthly improvement, the August deficit was 10.4% higher than the $2.87 billion recorded in August 2025.
The widening trade gap highlights continued pressure on Pakistan’s external position as import growth outpaces exports. The government is seeking to boost exports, diversify markets and contain non-essential imports as part of efforts to strengthen external stability.
