Export sector warns of losing competitiveness

Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan met exporters on Wednesday as businesses warned that Pakistan’s export competitiveness was under pressure. Dawn reported that participants pointed to expensive energy, transport and freight, higher taxes, shifting global trade conditions and rising production costs.

The minister said the government was consulting industry and relevant departments on practical responses, including export diversification, value addition and access to new markets. Exporters welcomed the Exim Bank financing scheme but raised concerns over levies, delayed tax refunds, shipping disruptions and payment rules; the hosiery association separately called for the Export Facilitation Scheme to be restored in its original form.

Officials also discussed tax-refund processing and digital invoicing, while representatives from livestock, minerals and surgical instruments described sector-specific obstacles. Textile exporters said recent policy changes had added to operating costs and strained cash flow.