KARACHI: Pakistan’s current account deficit (CAD) surged by more than 255 per cent year-on-year during the first four months of FY26, driven largely by rising imports and stagnant exports, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan on Monday. The country recorded a CAD of $733 million in July-October, compared with $206 million […]
Exports
Pakistan risks losing Afghan market amid border trade halt
ISLAMABAD: The ongoing closure of Pakistan-Afghanistan trade routes has raised fears of a permanent loss of Afghanistan’s market for Pakistani exporters, particularly those in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Analysts say the Taliban regime is increasingly seeking alternative markets and transit routes, signaling a gradual reduction in its reliance on Pakistan. Afghanistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, […]
Pakistan urged to boost auto exports at Karachi show
KARACHI: Engineering Development Board (EDB) Chief Executive Hammad Ali Mansoor has urged local auto manufacturers to focus on exporting ‘Made-in-Pakistan’ vehicles, citing Pakistan’s auto market as stronger than those of Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Sri Lanka. He made the remarks during the inauguration of the Pakistan Auto Show at the Karachi Expo Centre on Friday. Read […]
Three-month ultimatum: Afghan traders must stop Pakistan trade
KABUL – The Afghan Taliban government has ordered all traders to stop trade with Pakistan, giving them a three-month deadline. Traders must now seek alternative trade routes, Vice Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar said. Officials warned non-compliance will lead to government non-cooperation. Baradar urged Afghan traders and industrialists to shift imports […]
Govt unveils first National Industrial Policy
ISLAMABAD: The government has presented Pakistan’s first-ever National Industrial Policy (NIP) to the federal cabinet for approval, detailing key constraints to industrial growth and proposing reforms aimed at revitalising the country’s manufacturing sector. However, the Ministry of Finance has asked the Ministry of Industries and Production to first obtain the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) clearance […]
Pakistan’s trade deficit with Middle East narrows 4pc in Q1 FY26
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s trade deficit with Middle Eastern countries narrowed by 3.99 percent in the first quarter of FY26, mainly due to a simultaneous decline in imports and exports, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The trade gap fell to $3.56 billion during July–September FY26 from $3.70 billion in the same […]
Pakistan’s trade deficit widens 38% to $12.58 billion in four months
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s trade deficit widened by more than 38 percent during the first four months of the 2025-26 fiscal year, highlighting growing economic pressures as exports continue to decline. According to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), the trade deficit between July and October 2025 stood at $12.58 billion, compared to […]
Pakistan to bring diverse exports and digital vision to 8th CIIE
Pakistan is set to present a diverse range of export products while advancing its digital cooperation goals at the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), running from November 5 to 10, China Economic Net (CEN) reported on Tuesday. With more than 20 participating companies, the country will showcase traditional specialties including handicrafts, marble, furniture, apparel, […]
Base metal tools exports edge up
Pakistan’s export of tools, implements, and cutlery made of base metals to China saw a modest but steady rise of two percent in the first nine months of 2025, totaling $5.67 million compared with $5.56 million during the same period last year, China’s customs data shows. A closer look at the data shows a mixed […]
Pakistan sees 73% surge in investor confidence
Foreign investors’ confidence in Pakistan rose sharply to 73% in 2025, up from 61% in 2023, the OICCI survey showed. The improvement reflects better economic stability, reduced inflation, and government efforts to attract foreign investment. Analysts see this as a strong signal of renewed global trust in Pakistan’s market. OICCI President Yousaf Hussain highlighted the […]