Exports post sluggish growth in July-October

Pakistan’s merchandise exports rose 8.52 per cent to $11.34 billion in July-October 2026, while imports climbed 12.59 per cent to $25.96bn, according to data reported by Dawn from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. The faster increase in imports lifted the four-month trade deficit 15.97 per cent to $14.63bn.

October exports grew just 2.84 per cent year on year to $2.93bn, while imports advanced 11.81 per cent to $6.81bn, taking that month’s deficit to $3.87bn. Dawn reported that exporters face higher shipping costs and disrupted supply chains linked to Middle East conflict, while the Afghanistan market has been closed since October 2025; officials are also considering export-support measures, especially for small and medium enterprises.