ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s trade deficit with Gulf countries narrowed during the first month of the 2026-27 fiscal year as imports declined while exports to the region increased, according to official trade figures.
The improvement provides some relief for Pakistan’s external account, which remains particularly sensitive to energy imports and fluctuations in international commodity prices.
Gulf countries are among Pakistan’s most important trading partners and major suppliers of petroleum and other energy products, making changes in imports from the region significant for the country’s overall trade balance.
Islamabad has meanwhile been seeking to increase exports to Middle Eastern markets while attracting greater investment from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf economies.