Pakistan’s trade relationship with the United States saw remarkable growth during the last fiscal year, with the trade surplus crossing the $4 billion mark. Official figures indicate that bilateral trade between the two nations rose by 16%, reflecting strong export performance and a significant rise in imports from the US.
Strong Export Performance to the US
The total trade volume between Pakistan and the United States reached $7.598 billion during the fiscal year. Pakistan’s exports accounted for $5.83 billion, showing a 10% increase compared to the previous year.
Key export categories driving this growth included:
- Bedwear, table, toilet, and kitchen products – $1.038 billion
- Men’s suits, jackets, and trousers – $936 million
- Ready-made garments and dress patterns – $386 million
- T-shirts – $361 million
- Jerseys and pullovers – $312 million
- Socks – $278 million
- Leather goods – $165 million
- Women’s apparel – $157 million
These products collectively contributed to Pakistan’s competitive edge in the US market, especially in the textile and apparel sectors, which remain the backbone of the country’s export economy.
Surge in Imports from the US
While exports performed strongly, imports from the United States also saw a significant surge. Pakistan imported goods worth $1.763 billion, representing a 40% increase over the previous fiscal year.
Major imports included:
- Cotton – $393 million
- Iron and steel scrap – $160 million
- Soybeans – $137 million
- Coal – $56 million
- Turbojets and gas turbines – $50 million
- Computer machinery – $40 million
- Petroleum oil – $38 million
- Electromedical equipment – $36 million
- Dried fruits – $33 million
The rise in imports reflects Pakistan’s growing demand for raw materials, industrial inputs, and technological equipment to support its manufacturing and energy sectors.
Economic Implications and Future Outlook
The sustained growth in bilateral trade with the US highlights the resilience of Pakistan’s export-oriented industries and the country’s ability to maintain a healthy trade surplus despite rising imports. With the US remaining one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners, further opportunities exist to diversify exports beyond textiles and apparel into sectors such as IT services, engineering goods, and agricultural products.
Economic analysts suggest that maintaining trade momentum will depend on enhancing product quality, meeting international compliance standards, and expanding into new market segments. Additionally, leveraging bilateral trade agreements and fostering investment partnerships could further strengthen economic ties between Pakistan and the US in the coming years.
