Pakistan Trade Deficit Hits Highest Level Since 2022

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk) – Pakistan’s trade deficit surged sharply in April 2026, reaching its highest level since mid-2022, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.

The deficit expanded to $4.07 billion, reflecting a significant 43.5 percent increase compared to $2.84 billion recorded in March. The rise was driven by a steep jump in imports, despite moderate growth in exports.

Exports showed a month-on-month increase of 9.5 percent, reaching $2.479 billion in April. On a yearly basis, exports were also up by 14 percent compared to April 2025, indicating some resilience in external demand.

However, imports surged much faster, climbing 28.41 percent from the previous month to $6.553 billion. This sharp increase in the import bill was the main factor behind the widening trade gap.

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On an annual basis, imports also rose by 7.46 percent compared to April last year, further adding pressure on the country’s external balance.

Looking at the broader picture, figures for the first 10 months of the current fiscal year show a mixed trend. Exports declined by 6.25 percent to $25.21 billion, while imports increased by 6.94 percent to $57.198 billion.

As a result, the cumulative trade deficit from July to April widened by over 20 percent, reaching $31.99 billion compared to $26.59 billion in the same period last year.

The data highlights ongoing challenges for Pakistan’s economy, as rising imports continue to outpace export growth, putting sustained pressure on the country’s trade balance.