High costs squeeze Pakistan's exports
Pakistan's exports have declined due to high domestic energy and import costs, which have eroded the competitiveness of local products like rice and cotton. The government is exploring new trade opportunities, including pharmaceutical exports and potential donkey meat trade, to address the economic shortfall.
Why it matters
The decline in exports highlights structural economic challenges in Pakistan, impacting its balance of trade and international market standing.
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facebook --> twitter --> whatsup --> linkded --> email MORE (3) Messenger Whatsapp --> ISLAMABAD: Rising energy and import costs have made Pakistani products more expensive in international markets, contributing to a decline in exports of rice, sugar, cotton, onions, sesame and potatoes, the Senate Standing Committee on Commerce was told on Wednesday.
The committee, chaired by Senator Javed Hanif, was informed that Pakistan's exports fell last fiscal year compared with 2024-25, while bilateral trade with neighbouring countries also declined.
Commerce Secretary Javed Pal said Pakistani exports stood at $30.8 billion during the last fiscal year, with rice exports alone registering a $1 billion decline. Exports of sugar, cotton, onions, sesame and potatoes also decreased.
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