ISLAMABAD, Nov 20 (Wealth Pakistan): Pakistan’s import expenditure rose sharply in October, driven by higher purchases of petroleum, vehicles and industrial inputs. The data comes from the Monthly Trade Report for October 2025 released by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).
Imports rise sharply in October
Imports of other manufacturing products reached 4,235 million dollars in October. This figure was 3,336 million dollars last year, showing a rise of 27 percent. Agro and food imports also increased. These imports stood at 842 million dollars, compared with 699 million dollars last year. This reflects growth of 20 percent.
Textile and leather-related imports amounted to 479 million dollars. Last year, these imports were 321 million dollars. This marks an increase of 49 percent.
Four-month import bill also increases
From July to October, Pakistan’s import bill reached 23,030 million dollars. This is higher than 20,003 million dollars in the same period last year. The rise is 15.13 percent.
Imports of other manufacturing products totaled 16,217 million dollars in July–October. Last year, these were 13,854 million dollars, showing an increase of 17 percent. Agro and food imports reached 3,150 million dollars. A year earlier, these were 2,455 million dollars, marking a rise of 28 percent. Textile and leather imports stood at 1,520 million dollars. These imports were 1,049 million dollars last year, showing an increase of 45 percent.
China remains top import source
China remained the largest source of imports in October. Imports from China reached 1,636 million dollars. Last year, these were 1,345 million dollars, showing growth of 22 percent.
Imports from the United Arab Emirates rose to 613 million dollars. These were 351 million dollars last year, showing an increase of 74 percent. Saudi Arabia also recorded higher imports. These imports rose to 390 million dollars from 168 million dollars, marking growth of 132 percent.
Other countries showing rises included Indonesia, the United States, Singapore, Japan, Thailand, Oman, Korea, Kuwait and Morocco.
Petroleum, autos and chips show notable changes
Imports of petroleum oils other than crude stood at 527 million dollars. Last year, these were 375 million dollars, showing a rise of 41 percent. Crude oil imports reached 459 million dollars. These were 196 million dollars last year, marking a jump of 134 percent.
However, imports of petroleum gases fell to 289 million dollars. Last year, these were 355 million dollars, showing a decline of 19 percent. Passenger car imports rose sharply to 155 million dollars. These were 59 million dollars last year, showing growth of 162 percent.
Imports of semiconductor devices reached 100 million dollars. A year earlier, these were 44 million dollars.
July–October commodity trends show further increases
During July–October, imports of soybeans, motor vehicles, palm oil, cotton, steel products and industrial chemicals recorded major rises. Crude oil imports reached 1,767 million dollars. Last year, these were 1,444 million dollars, showing a rise of 22 percent. Refined petroleum imports touched 1,875 million dollars. These were 1,701 million dollars a year earlier.
Import demand remains strong
The figures show strong demand for industrial, manufacturing, food and energy-related imports during October and the July–October period.