Modest rise in exports to US, imports surge
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s merchandise exports to North America grew modestly by 4.65 per cent to $1.826 billion in the first quarter of 2026-27, up from $1.745bn a year ago.
Imports from the region, however, surged 60.58pc to $841.31 million from $523.91m over the corresponding period last year, indicating a high inflow of goods from North America, according to data compiled by the State Bank of Pakistan.
The rise in imports reflects Islamabad’s efforts to ease trade imbalances with the region, as per an agreement reached with the US. The development comes amid policy shifts by US President Donald Trump, who has imposed additional tariffs while extending limited relief to Pakistan under a reciprocal arrangement.
In the same region, export value to Canada declined.
In FY26, imports under the agreement grew nearly 39pc, while Pakistan’s exports to the US recorded a meagre rise of 1.55pc.
The US remained the dominant market, accounting for nearly 94pc of Pakistan’s total exports to North America, with the remaining share going mainly to Canada and other countries.
Pakistan’s exports to the US rose 4.44pc to $1.716bn in the July-September quarter of FY27 from $1.643bn a year ago. In FY26, exports to the US increased 1.55pc to $6.125bn from $6.031bn in FY25.
Pakistan’s exports to Canada rose marginally by 7.53pc to $109.72m in 1QFY27 from $102.03m a year ago. In FY26, exports to Canada shrank 2.3pc to $377.455m from $386.347m in FY25.
In contrast, imports from the US surged 45.44pc to $659.23m in 1QFY27 from $453.28m a year ago. In FY26, imports from the US increased 38.93pc to $3.265bn from $2.350bn in FY25.
Under the new agreement, Pakistan will import additional goods from the US to balance the trade deficit. As a result, imports from the region, especially the US, grew sharply during the year under review.
In the same region, exports to Latin America surged 118.64pc to $21.58m in 1QFY27, up from $9.87m a year ago. In FY26, exports fell 8.23pc to $66.98m against $73.06m in FY25.
Pakistan’s exports to Central America stayed flat at $45.27m in 1QFY27 from $44.99m a year ago. In Central America, Pakistan’s main export destination is Mexico.
Published in Dawn, November 10th, 2026
