Imports from North America surge

Published May 17, 2026
A file photo of shipping containers. — Reuters/File
A file photo of shipping containers. — Reuters/File

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s merchandise exports to North America posted a modest increase of 1.72 per cent to $4.921 billion in the first nine months of 2025-26, from $4.838bn a year ago.

Imports from the region, however, surged 33.44pc to $2.538bn during July-March FY26 compared to $1.902bn in the corresponding period, indicating a widening inflow of goods from North America.

The rise in imports reflects Islamabad’s efforts to ease trade imbalances with the region, particularly with the United States. However, exports to Canada declined.

The US remained the dominant market, accounting for nearly 95pc of Pakistan’s total exports to North America, with the remaining share going mainly to Canada and other countries.

Exports show paltry growth to $4.921bn in 9MFY26

Within the region, exports to the US increased 2pc to $4.634bn in 9MFY26 from $4.543bn a year earlier. In FY25, exports to the US stood at $6.028bn, compared to $5.444bn in the corresponding period of the previous year, registering an increase of 10.72pc.

Pakistan’s exports to Canada recorded a negative growth of 2.40pc to $286.88m in 9MFY26 from $293.94m over the corresponding months of last year.

The imports from North America stood at $2.538bn in 9MFY26 from $1.902bn over the previous year, showing an increase of 33.44pc. The imports from North America stood at $2.588bn in FY25 from $2.038bn over the previous year, showing an increase of 26.98pc.

Of these, imports from US stood at $2.133bn in 9MFY26 from $1.724bn over the corresponding months of last year, reflecting an increase of 23.73pc.

Export to Latin America stood at $51.85m in 9MFY26 against $58.09m over the previous year, indicating a negative growth of 10.74pc. Pakistan’s export to Latin America stood at $73.521m in FY25 against $79.502m over the previous year, indicating a decline of 7.52pc.

Shipments to Central America stood at $124.90m in 9MFY26 from $124.95m over the previous year, showing a paltry decline.

Published in Dawn, May 17th, 2026

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