According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), there has been a drastic reduction in the import freight charges in Pakistan in the first quarter of the fiscal year 2025. The total freight expenditure of imports according to the official data was as 460.72 million, with the yearly variation being decreased by 14.77% in comparison with 528.79 million registered during the same period a year ago.
The import freight charges stood at 152.49 million in September 2025 which was a 13.80% decrease over 173.55 million in September 2024. On a month-to-month basis, however, there was a marginal upward move in terms of the figures between $151.61million in August and 152.49 million in September which shows that the cost of import logistics was slightly fluctuating.
The fall in freight rates is a marker of alterations in the import cost base and logistics patterns in Pakistan as the world alters its trade-related aspects and fuel prices. The declining freight costs of imports are associated with the sluggish growth in the total imports and the stabilization of the international freight rates by the economists.
With Pakistan still struggling to balance the trade deficit, reduced importation freight costs can also help in alleviating the external payment pressure. The data of the State Bank shows the continuous attempt of the government to regulate the foreign exchange outflow by efficient state control over imports and decreasing transportation expenses.
