Trade gap widens 16% to $14.6b

Pakistan recorded a $14.6 billion trade shortfall from July through October, 16% above the comparable period a year earlier, The Express Tribune reported, citing Pakistan Bureau of Statistics data. Imports reached $26 billion, up 12.5%, while exports rose 8.5% to $11.4 billion, leaving the gap wider despite growth in both flows.

The figures came as the government seeks foreign financing to meet external repayments estimated at $21.5 billion, including planned rollovers of $10.5 billion. For the full fiscal year, imports are projected at $71 billion and goods exports at $34 billion; October imports also climbed 5.7% month-on-month, while exports stayed at $2.9 billion. The widening imbalance underscores pressure on Pakistan’s external financing needs and the challenge of expanding export earnings.