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Pakistan’s December Trade Gap Hits $3.7 Billion as H1 Deficit Reaches $19.2 Billion

Fresh PBS data point to worsening external balances driven by slumping exports alongside slightly higher imports.

Overview

  • Exports in December fell 20% year on year to $2.32 billion while imports ticked up to $6.02 billion, lifting the monthly deficit to $3.7 billion.
  • Compared with November, the December shortfall widened by more than 28% on lower shipments and rising import bills.
  • For July–December FY26, exports declined about 9% to $15.18 billion as imports rose roughly 11% to $34.39 billion, taking the six‑month gap to around $19.2 billion.
  • PBS data indicate the half‑year deficit is close to two‑thirds of the full‑year official target, highlighting persistent pressure on the external sector.
  • Pakistan logged a $812 million current account deficit in the first five months versus a $503 million surplus a year earlier, and officials and economists urge export support and curbs on non‑essential imports.