ISLAMABAD, Nov 20 (Wealth Pakistan): Pakistan’s trade deficit widened sharply in October as imports rose and exports fell, according to the Monthly Trade Report for October 2025 released by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).
Exports fall while imports continue to rise
Pakistan’s goods exports for October stood at 2,849 million dollars. Last year, these were 2,982 million dollars. This reflects a fall of 4.46 percent.
Goods imports, however, increased to 6,057 million dollars. A year earlier, these stood at 5,040 million dollars, showing a rise of 20.18 percent.
Goods trade deficit expands by over 55 percent
Due to these trends, the goods trade deficit for October widened to 3,208 million dollars. Last year, it was 2,058 million dollars. This marks an increase of 55.88 percent.
The pattern stayed similar during the July–October period. Goods exports for these four months stood at 10,448 million dollars. Last year, these were 10,888 million dollars, showing a decline of 4.04 percent.
Goods imports reached 23,030 million dollars during July–October 2025-26. These were 20,003 million dollars in the same period last year, marking a rise of 15.13 percent.
Overall four-month deficit crosses 12.5 billion dollars
The overall trade deficit for July–October reached 12,582 million dollars. Last year, it was 9,115 million dollars for the same period.
Services sector shows mixed performance
The report also includes services data for September, which is the latest month available.
Services exports for September 2025-26 stood at 796.73 million dollars. Last year, these were 662.52 million dollars, showing an increase of 20.26 percent.
Services imports reached 995.23 million dollars, compared with 964.67 million dollars in the previous year, showing a rise of 3.17 percent.
For July–September, services exports amounted to 2,199.12 million dollars. These were 1,914.85 million dollars last year.
Services imports for the same period stood at 3,129.59 million dollars. Last year, these were 2,814.80 million dollars.
Services deficit narrows for September
The services trade deficit in September was 198.50 million dollars. Last year, it was 302.15 million dollars.
However, for July–September, the services deficit widened slightly to 930.47 million dollars. Last year, it was 899.95 million dollars.
Weaker exports and strong import demand drive deficit
The figures reflect weaker export performance in several goods sectors. At the same time, demand for imported products remained strong. As a result, the trade deficit widened during both the month and the cumulative period under review.