KARACHI: Pakistan’s imports have continued to rise following recent relaxations in import policies, pushing the country’s trade deficit higher.
According to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan, the trade deficit in December 2025 surged by 24 percent compared to the same month last year.
In December, Pakistan’s trade deficit stood at $3.71 billion, up from $3 billion in December 2024. Imports exceeded $6.02 billion, crossing the $6 billion mark, while exports fell 4 percent to $2.32 billion. On a monthly basis, imports grew by 20 percent, reflecting the immediate impact of the eased regulations.
During the first six months of the current fiscal year, Pakistan imported goods worth $34 billion, while exports totaled only $15 billion, resulting in a cumulative trade deficit of approximately $19.2 billion.
Economists warn that the widening trade gap could put additional pressure on the country’s balance of payments, even as the government aims to boost industrial activity and domestic consumption through easier import policies.
