Pakistan’s Trade Deficit Widens 28% in First Seven Months of FY26

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s trade deficit widened by 28.22 percent to $22.04 billion during the first seven months of the current fiscal year (7MFY26), according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics. The increase was driven by higher imports and a decline in exports compared to the same period last year. Exports fell to $18.20 billion, while imports rose to $40.23 billion. On a monthly basis, exports improved slightly in January 2026, while imports declined marginally, helping narrow the monthly trade deficit. Despite short-term improvement, overall external pressures remain elevated.