BRUSSELS/ISLAMABAD, (Unib Rashid) – Pakistan’s exports increased by 3.5 percent during the fiscal year 2025-26, while imports recorded a significantly higher growth of 10.6 percent, raising concerns over the country’s widening trade imbalance.

The figures were highlighted by the Economic Policy and Business Development (EPBDT), a non-governmental organization, which noted that the pace of growth in imports was considerably faster than that of exports.

“We are increasing exports, but imports are growing even faster,” the organization observed.

Presenting a comparative chart on the performance of exports and imports, EPBDT questioned whether the latest trend represents export-led economic growth or signals the beginning of a further increase in Pakistan’s trade deficit.

The organization emphasized that while growth in exports is a positive development, the much faster expansion in imports could put additional pressure on the country’s external balance if the trend continues.

The latest figures have renewed the debate over Pakistan’s trade strategy and the need to accelerate export growth, enhance competitiveness and reduce dependence on imported goods to achieve sustainable economic growth.