Pakistan's regional trade deficit rises 26.6pc in Q1

The gap with nine regional partners rose 26.6 per cent in July–September as exports fell and imports from China climbed, State Bank figures show.

The deficit with nine neighbouring countries rose 26.62 per cent to $4.97bn in July–September FY27 from $3.93bn a year earlier.

Regional exports fell 6.72 per cent to $944.24mn while imports rose 19.79 per cent to $5.92bn.

The bilateral gap with China widened by $858.808mn, about 82.18 per cent of the overall increase.

Exports to Afghanistan fell 88.34 per cent after trade was suspended from 10 October 2025.

No exports to India were recorded in the quarter; Indian imports rose 68.90 per cent to $61.74mn.

Read the full story