KARACHI: Pakistan recorded a current account surplus of $1.07 billion in March 2026, compared to a surplus of $1.27 billion in March 2025 and $231 million in February 2026, according to data compiled by Arif Habib Limited based on State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) figures.
On a cumulative basis, the country posted a marginal current account surplus of $8 million during the first nine months of FY2026, sharply lower than the $1.67 billion surplus recorded in the same period last year.
Exports of goods stood at $2.53 billion in March 2026, down 8% year-on-year from $2.76 billion, but slightly higher by 2% compared to $2.48 billion in February. Imports of goods were recorded at $4.90 billion, down 1% year-on-year and 5% lower month-on-month.
As a result, the trade deficit in goods narrowed to $2.38 billion in March 2026, compared to $2.18 billion in March 2025 and $2.69 billion in February 2026.
In the services sector, exports rose to $903 million in March 2026, up 16% year-on-year and 13% month-on-month. Imports of services stood at $926 million, increasing 3% year-on-year and remaining flat compared to February.
The services trade deficit narrowed to $23 million in March 2026, compared to $120 million in March 2025 and $124 million in February.
Overall, the total trade deficit stood at $2.40 billion in March 2026, compared to $2.30 billion in the same month last year and $2.81 billion in February.
The primary income deficit was recorded at $607 million in March 2026, compared to $678 million a year earlier and $409 million in the previous month.
Workers’ remittances amounted to $3.83 billion in March 2026, down 6% year-on-year but up 17% compared to $3.29 billion in February.
The secondary income balance stood at $4.08 billion in March 2026, compared to $4.25 billion in March 2025 and $3.45 billion in February.
