Despite repeated government claims of building Pakistan’s economy on exports, official documents show a sharp rise in imports and a widening trade deficit over the past six months, exposing growing dependence on foreign products.

According to official data, Pakistan imported goods worth $34.5 billion between July and December 2025, while exports during the same period stood at just $15 billion. This imbalance pushed the trade deficit up by 35.52%, crossing $19 billion in only six months.

The figures contradict the narrative of export-led growth and highlight structural weaknesses in Pakistan’s trade balance.

Food imports surge, tea bill hits Rs90bn

Food imports alone amounted to $4.63 billion during the six-month period. These included sugar, milk, butter, cream, dry fruits, tea, spices, soy and palm oil, with food and beverage imports rising 21.71% year-on-year.

Pakistanis consumed imported tea worth around Rs90 billion in six months, underscoring the scale of reliance on foreign food items.

Smartphones and electronics

Imports of smart mobile phones reached nearly $1 billion in six months, equivalent to about Rs271 billion. In December alone, phones worth $160 million, or Rs45 billion, were imported.

Mobile phone–related equipment worth $350 million (around Rs100 billion) was also brought in, adding further pressure to the import bill.

Machinery imports, including equipment for the textile sector, recorded a 16% increase to $5 billion. Transport equipment, including imported cars, buses, trucks, spare parts, ships and boats, amounted to about $2 billion.

The petroleum import bill surged to $8 billion in six months, reflecting Pakistan’s continued dependence on imported energy.

Agricultural goods, metals

Imported agricultural goods, including fertilizers, pesticides and chemicals, totaled $5.37 billion. Metals worth $3.23 billion, including gold, iron, steel and aluminum, were also imported.

Additional imports included rubber products, tyres, wood and paperboard worth more than $600 million, along with textile goods worth $3.37 billion, such as raw cotton, synthetic fiber and silk yarn.

The document notes that regional instability has become a major obstacle to Pakistan’s exports. Trade with Afghanistan has remained closed for four months, largely due to the Afghan Taliban regime.

Exports have also declined to other key partners, including China, Iran, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, further weakening Pakistan’s external trade position.

Trade deficit widens as claims questioned

With imports vastly outpacing exports, the official data has effectively exposed the gap between policy claims and economic reality. Analysts say the rising trade deficit highlights the urgent need for export diversification, import substitution and improved regional trade stability.