Bilateral trade between Pakistan and China rises sharply in the first quarter of the fiscal year, marking a stronger flow of goods and foreign exchange between the two countries.
Exports
Pakistan’s exports to China reached $562.39 million, showing a 0.59% increase from the $559.07 million recorded in the same period last year, according to the State Bank of Pakistan. September exports were $207.92 million, higher than $154.82 million in August, though slightly below $235.64 million from September last year. For FY25 so far, total exports to China stand at $2.477 billion, led by textiles, minerals, and farm products.
Imports
Imports showed a much bigger jump. Pakistan spent $4.861 billion on imports from China in the first quarter, a 25% rise from $3.891 billion in the previous fiscal year’s first quarter. September imports reached $1.661 billion, compared with $1.504 billion in August and $1.258 billion in the same month last year. Most of these goods were machinery, electronics, and other industrial items needed for local production.
The gap between exports and imports continues to widen. China remains the largest trading partner of Pakistan; however, the increasing imports are straining the foreign-exchange reserves of the country. Analysts say Pakistan must boost export strength to reduce this imbalance and support long-term trade stability.
