Imports Outpace Exports: Pakistan’s Trade Deficit Soars in 2026 as rising imports in Pakistan continue to outpace declining exports. Official trade figures for Pakistan show that the fiscal-year trade deficit exceeded $22 billion through the first seven months. The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics report highlights a widening trade deficit, putting pressure on Pakistan’s trade balance and the overall economy.
During this period, imports rose by 9.42 percent, reaching a total value of imports $40.233 billion, while exports declined by 7.09 percent, totaling $18.195 billion. The Pakistan import-export gap continues to grow because cumulative imports remain higher than exports. Monthly trade statistics for Pakistan indicate that the January 2026 trade deficit stood at $2.725 billion, reflecting some month-on-month trade deficit decline but a still high overall imbalance.
Analysts say Pakistan’s import surge comes from energy and raw material needs, while exports suffer due to weak global demand. The import bill in Pakistan is increasingly straining foreign reserves, and the balance of trade shows a persistent gap. Export growth in January helped slightly, but the reduction in imports month-on-month was insufficient to reverse the deficit trend.
If these trends continue, Pakistan faces economic pressure and possible currency depreciation. Policymakers are urged to focus on export-led growth, trade diversification, and import substitution strategies. Strengthening local industries could help reduce dependency on imports and stabilize Pakistan’s trade balance over time.
