Pakistan’s trade deficit widened by 16% year-on-year to $14.6 billion during the first four months (July-October) of FY27 as imports continued to grow faster than exports, according to provisional data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
In October alone, the trade deficit reached $3.9 billion, increasing 20% compared with the same month last year and 10% from September’s $3.5 billion. Imports rose 12% year-on-year to $6.8 billion, while exports increased by just 3% to $2.9 billion.
During July-October FY27, Pakistan’s total imports reached $26 billion, up 13% from the corresponding period last year. Exports grew 9% to $11.3 billion, leaving a cumulative trade deficit of $14.6 billion compared with $12.6 billion in the same period last year.
The widening gap reflects Pakistan’s growing import bill and relatively slower export growth. A higher trade deficit increases the country’s foreign exchange requirements and can put pressure on the rupee and foreign exchange reserves. It may also raise costs for businesses and consumers relying on imported fuel, medicines, electronics and industrial inputs.
