Overview
- PBS data show imports reached about $23 billion in July–October, up roughly 15% year on year, while exports fell around 4% to about $10.5 billion.
- October imports climbed to $6.1 billion, the highest since March 2022 and the fourth consecutive month above $5 billion.
- The monthly goods deficit in October was $3.2 billion, 56% higher than a year earlier but 4.2% narrower than September.
- The FBR attributes part of the surge to duty reductions, noting a 43% year-on-year rise in first‑quarter imports of non‑dutiable items.
- Pakistan has begun an IMF programme to cut import taxes by 52% over five years, and the government has set up export working groups as economists warn of pressure on reserves and the rupee.