Pakistan Gains Advantage with Reduced Tariffs on U.S. Exports

ISLAMABAD – (Special Correspondent/Web Desk) – Pakistan’s exporters are set to gain a major competitive edge in the United States market after the government successfully secured a reduction in reciprocal tariffs—bringing them down from 29% to just 19%, the lowest in the region. This breakthrough is expected to open new avenues for trade and strengthen Pakistan’s position among regional competitors.

In an official statement on Tuesday, the Ministry of Commerce confirmed that the reduced tariff will create fresh opportunities for Pakistani exporters to expand their reach in the U.S. market. The development was reviewed during a high-level meeting on U.S. reciprocal tariffs, chaired by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, who emphasized the importance of this achievement for Pakistan’s export growth.

The meeting brought together senior government officials and more than 30 leading exporters and SMEs from sectors such as apparel, textiles, rice, salt, surgical instruments, sports goods, electronics, food and agriculture, and leather. Notable attendees included Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce Rana Ihsaan Afzal, and Secretary of Commerce Jawad Paul.

Commerce Minister Jam Kamal described the revised tariff structure as a timely boost for exports. He praised the joint efforts of the government’s economic team and private sector partners in securing this milestone. He also highlighted that this achievement aligns with the government’s broader vision of increasing exports and generating sustainable economic growth.

Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar underscored Pakistan’s comparative advantage in the region and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting industry stakeholders in tapping into new business opportunities. He noted that global trade conditions are shifting, and Pakistan must remain proactive to fully benefit from such opportunities.
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Industry representatives stressed the importance of maintaining consistent, industry-friendly policies to help manage manufacturing costs and secure access to critical raw materials. They urged policymakers to create a predictable business environment that encourages long-term investment and expansion.

Commerce Minister Jam assured participants that their proposals would be compiled and presented to the Prime Minister for further action. He emphasized the government’s focus on export-led growth, combining immediate measures with long-term strategies to ensure sustainable progress.

The government decided to actively work on widening Pakistan’s export presence in the U.S., aiming to turn this tariff reduction into a lasting national advantage that supports broader socio-economic development.

In a separate development, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce Rana Ihsaan Afzal met with representatives of Octans Digital Pvt Ltd, a subsidiary of Interloop Holdings, to discuss sustainable practices and waste management in Pakistan’s textile industry—a step seen as crucial for maintaining competitiveness in global markets.