Pakistan’s exports declined by $1.34 billion during the first seven months of fiscal year 2025 to 26, reflecting a 7.11 percent decrease compared to the same period last year. Export earnings fell from $19.58 billion to $18.19 billion, according to official trade figures compiled with support from the State Bank of Pakistan.
The sharpest decline was recorded in food exports, which dropped by 35 percent to $2.98 billion. Key items affected include rice, oil seeds, vegetables, sugar, spices, tobacco, and raw cotton. Analysts link the fall to lower global demand, price fluctuations, and domestic supply challenges caused by weather conditions and rising input costs.
Several non food sectors also faced pressure. Petroleum exports declined due to weaker international prices, while medical equipment, leather products, carpets, chemicals, and handicrafts reported reduced shipments. Exporters in these industries have pointed to higher production costs and energy tariffs as major hurdles.
Despite the overall downturn, some sectors showed modest growth. Textile exports, which remain Pakistan’s largest export category, rose by 1.25 percent to $10.9 billion. Manufacturing machinery exports increased by 12.73 percent, indicating stronger demand for industrial goods. Gains were also seen in auto parts, cement, engineering goods, sports equipment, ready made garments, furniture, and fertilizers.
Economists say improving export performance will require stable exchange rates, lower production costs, and better market access to maintain competitiveness in global markets.
