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Pakistan's Trade Deficit Reaches Record High of $3.39 Billion in April 2025
Pakistan's trade deficit in April 2025 reached $3.39 billion, a 55% increase. Experts blame the reversal of the import control policy for rising imports and falling exports.
ND
by News Desk
2025-05-02
Pakistan's Trade Deficit Reaches Record High of $3.39 Billion in April 2025

Pakistan's trade deficit has surged to its highest level in the last three years, reaching $3.39 billion in April 2025, a sharp 55% increase compared to previous figures. According to the State Bank of Pakistan's latest report, this significant rise in the deficit is largely attributed to the reversal of the import control policy and the widening gap between imports and exports.

In April 2025, imports rose by 15%, totaling $5.5 billion, while exports dropped by 19%, standing at $2.1 billion. Experts have expressed concern that the elimination of the import control policy has led to a rise in non-essential goods imports, while the lack of effective strategies to boost exports has further exacerbated the situation.

This widening trade gap has contributed to a 9% increase in the overall trade deficit for the first ten months of the 2024-25 fiscal year, which now stands at $21.35 billion. This marks a worrying trend for Pakistan’s economy, as the country struggles to manage its foreign exchange reserves and improve its fiscal position.

The Bureau of Statistics had previously reported a trade deficit of $13.48 billion for the first seven months of the fiscal year. With the new figures, the deficit has continued to escalate, raising concerns about the long-term economic stability of the country.

Experts are calling for immediate measures to control imports and revive export growth to address the widening trade imbalance and reduce the economic strain caused by the rising deficit.

 
Tagged:

SBP

exports

PakistanEconomy

EconomicPolicy

tradedeficit

ImportControl
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