Pakistan’s trade deficit has widened from initial estimates as the country failed to meet its export target for the fiscal year 2024-25. The figures were released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
According to the report, total exports during the fiscal year stood at $32.106 billion, lower than the government’s target of $32.341 billion. On the other hand, imports reached $58.38 billion, higher than the official estimate of $57.283 billion.
As a result, the trade deficit widened to $26.274 billion, higher than the estimated deficit of $24.941 billion. While exports grew by 4.67 percent year-on-year, imports recorded a growth of 6.57 percent.
Higher than expected imports and lower than targeted exports have added to the pressure on the country’s external accounts, further challenging fiscal management.
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Meanwhile, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs has announced a 50 percent reduction in port charges for export and transshipment containers at Port Qasim Authority. The revised rates will be effective from July 1, 2025, and the move is aimed at providing relief to the trade sector and boosting economic activities.
