Pakistan’s trade deficit narrowed by 12 percent in November 2025 compared to the previous month, offering temporary relief despite broader economic pressures. However, the deficit still showed a sharp 33 percent rise when compared with November 2024, highlighting persistent structural challenges. The latest figures reflect mixed trends in both exports and imports during the period.
According to data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, the trade deficit for November 2025 stood at $2.855 billion. This was an improvement from October 2025, when the deficit reached $3.239 billion. Yet, the gap widened significantly when compared with the $2.15 billion deficit recorded in November 2024, indicating ongoing stress on external accounts.
Exports fell notably during the month, dropping by 16 percent on a monthly basis and 15 percent on a yearly basis. Pakistan’s exports totaled $2.398 billion in November 2025, reflecting lower demand and disruptions in key product categories. The decline has raised concerns about competitiveness and the impact of global market conditions on local industries.
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Imports also shifted during the month, decreasing by 14 percent compared to October but rising by 5 percent year-on-year. The import bill reached $5.253 billion in November 2025, showing that essential and high-value imports continue to put pressure on the economy. This pattern further contributed to the widening annual trade gap.
During the first five months of the current fiscal year, the trade deficit climbed to $15.469 billion, significantly higher than the $11.277 billion recorded during the same period last year. Officials attributed the revenue decline mainly to reduced food exports, which dropped by 35 percent. Additionally, rice exports suffered a substantial 46 percent fall, weakening overall export performance.
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As the deficit continues to expand year-on-year, analysts stress the need for stronger export policies and targeted support to agriculture and manufacturing sectors. The latest trends underscore the importance of diversifying export products while reducing dependence on costly imports to stabilise the trade balance.