By Raja Sb 
Trade Gap Expands Amid Rising Imports
Pakistan’s trade deficit has widened to $12.58 billion in the first four months of FY2024–25, reflecting a 16% increase compared to the same period last year, according to provisional data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
Imports Increase While Exports Decline
Imports rose by nearly 10%, mainly driven by petroleum, machinery, and raw materials, while exports fell by around 4%, largely due to a slump in textile and IT service sales. This imbalance has created fresh concerns for the country’s already strained external sector.
Economists Urge Policy Reforms
Experts suggest that the government must adopt export-led growth strategies, incentivize local industries, and explore new trade markets to address the rising Pakistan trade deficit. They also recommended improving competitiveness and reducing dependency on costly imports.
Government’s Response
The Ministry of Commerce has stated that measures are underway to control unnecessary imports and enhance export capacity through better market access, subsidies, and export refinancing facilities.
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