Pakistan’s Trade With Central Asia Drops Despite Transit Agreements

Pakistan’s exports and imports with Central Asian countries have dropped sharply in the first four months of FY26, despite new transit arrangements and recent diplomatic efforts aimed at boosting regional trade. Fresh data shows that overall shipments to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan fell to $62.5 million, highlighting ongoing hurdles for Pakistan’s outreach to the region.

Pakistan has been working to deepen economic ties with Central Asia through new agreements, direct transit routes and high-level government contacts. Despite this push, overall trade activity remains restricted due to logistical constraints, higher transport costs and slow market penetration in these landlocked states.

During July-October FY26, exports to the five Central Asian states dipped nearly 10% year on year, sliding from $69.18 million to $62.54 million. Imports saw an even sharper drop of 63%, falling to $15.79 million, mostly from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

An official familiar with the matter said,

“Despite new transit arrangements, the expected boost in trade flows has not fully materialised because infrastructure and market access barriers still exist.”

Pakistan’s annual trade with the region typically stays between $400–500 million, with a significant share routed through Afghanistan.

Shipments to Turkmenistan plunged 23.83% to $0.505 million, though imports from the country rose slightly to $3.92 million.
Exports to Uzbekistan performed strongly, jumping 51.63% to $32.95 million, but imports from Uzbekistan declined sharply to $8.49 million.
Exports to Kazakhstan slid 16.72% to $24.54 million, while imports edged down to $0.263 million.

Trade officials noted that while diplomatic engagement has intensified, deeper market penetration, diversified products and stronger transport connectivity are still required to unlock the region’s full potential.