Karachi: Pakistan’s economy has come under pressure once again as the trade deficit has widened significantly in the first quarter of the fiscal year. According to the latest figures from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the trade deficit has widened to $9.36 billion during July-September, which is about 33 percent more than the previous year.
The month of September was even heavier. In just one month, the deficit was recorded at $3.34 billion, which is 46 percent more on an annual basis and 16 percent more on a monthly basis. It can be said that Pakistan’s trade balance is becoming quite burdensome.
Imports also increased significantly and reached about $17 billion in three months, i.e. an increase of more than 13 percent. On the other hand, exports remained weak and were stuck at only $7.60 billion. Although there was a slight increase in September, it was recorded as a decrease of 12 percent compared to the same month last year.
It seems that Pakistan’s imports are stronger than its exports, and this difference is widening the trade deficit.
Experts are saying that if this is not controlled immediately, the coming months could be even more difficult for the economy.
On the other hand, economic analysts say that if exports are not given immediate relief and import pressures are not controlled, the coming months could create further difficulties.
| Period | Trade Deficit (Billion $) | Imports (Billion $) | Exports (Billion $) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul-Sep 2025 | 9.36 | 16.97 | 7.60 | Deficit +32.92%, Imports +13.49%, Exports -3.83% |
| Sep 2025 (YoY) | 3.34 | 5.84 | 2.50 | Deficit +45.83%, Exports -11.71% |
| Sep 2025 (MoM) | 3.34 | 5.84 | 2.50 | Deficit +16.33%, Exports +3.64% |
