Pakistan’s trade deficit widened by 15% year-on-year to $10.8 billion during the first quarter of fiscal year 2026-27, compared with $9.37 billion in the same period last year, according to data compiled by Topline Securities.
The increase came as imports grew faster than exports. Imports rose 13% YoY to $19.2 billion, while exports increased 11% to $8.4 billion from $7.6 billion a year earlier. Imports added around $2.2 billion during the quarter, compared with an increase of approximately $824 million in exports.
The trade gap also remained elevated in September, reaching $3.6 billion, up 6% YoY and 8% MoM. Imports rose 11% YoY and 12% MoM to $6.5 billion, while exports increased 18% YoY and 16% MoM to $2.9 billion.
Despite the stronger export performance, the increase was insufficient to offset higher imports. The monthly trade deficit rose from $3.35 billion in September 2025 and $3.29 billion in August 2026 to $3.56 billion in September 2026.
Pakistan’s monthly trade gap has remained elevated during FY27, standing at around $3.8 billion in July before declining to $3.3 billion in August and rising again to $3.6 billion in September.
