Pakistan’s trade deficit with nine neighboring countries has increased by 30 percent to about $15.9 billion in the fiscal year 2025-2026. The decline in exports to regional countries, especially Afghanistan, has been cited as one of the main factors behind this increase.
According to statistics from the Central Bank of Pakistan, the country’s exports to neighboring countries decreased by 11 percent to $3.953 billion, while imports from these countries increased by 19.1 percent to $19.886 billion.
The report adds that after the suspension of trade with Afghanistan, Pakistan’s exports to the country decreased by 68.9 percent to $243.7 million; Pakistan’s imports from Afghanistan also decreased by 74.9 percent.
China remains Pakistan’s largest trading partner among neighboring countries. Pakistan’s exports to China have increased, but imports from this country have also grown significantly.
