Pakistan posted a current account surplus of $459 million in May 2026, according to the latest figures released by the State Bank of Pakistan. The surplus came after the country recorded a deficit of $276 million in April, showing a strong recovery in its external account position.
The improvement was mainly supported by a sharp rise in workers’ remittances and lower import payments during the month. As a result, Pakistan managed to strengthen its external sector despite ongoing trade pressures.
Remittances from overseas Pakistanis reached a record $4.3 billion in May, marking the highest monthly inflow ever recorded. The State Bank said remittances increased by 20.2% compared to April and rose 15.4% from the same month last year. The strong inflows continued to provide important support to the country’s foreign exchange reserves and current account balance.
During the first 11 months of the current fiscal year, total remittances stood at $38.1 billion. In comparison, remittances were recorded at $34.9 billion during the same period a year earlier. This represents an increase of 9.2%.
However, Pakistan’s trade gap remained significant. The country continued to import far more goods than it exported. In May, imports were recorded at $5.6 billion, while exports reached $2.3 billion. The figures highlight the persistent imbalance in trade despite the positive current account performance.
Meanwhile, exports totaled $29.75 billion during the first 11 months of the fiscal year, according to official data.
Before April’s deficit, Pakistan had posted current account surpluses for three straight months. The latest surplus suggests that the country’s external account has regained momentum after a brief setback.
Economists believe the recent improvement reflects lower import demand, tighter financial conditions, and steady remittance inflows from Pakistanis working abroad. They say these factors have played a key role in supporting the country’s current account position in recent months.
