Lahore (Web Desk): S. M. Tanveer, leader Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has voiced serious concern over Pakistan’s latest trade data for September 2025, revealing that the country’s trade deficit has surged by 45.8 % year-on-year, reaching $3.34 billion.
He noted that this troubling development highlights underlying structural issues within the national economy, such as the non-competitive nature of exports, rising dependence on imports, and the lack of a comprehensive strategy for industrial revival.
According to Tanveer, exports have dropped by 11.7% while imports have increased by 14%, creating a significant structural imbalance.
During the first quarter of the fiscal year 2026, the trade deficit reached $9.37 billion, which is 32.9% higher compared to the same period of the previous year.
Tanveer warned that elevated interest rates and high energy costs could further reduce the competitiveness of exports, leading to greater reliance on imports and weaker performance across both traditional and emerging sectors globally.
He urged the government to lower the policy rate to provide financial relief for exporters, reduce energy tariffs for the export sector, prioritize industrial inputs, and broaden the export base by supporting research in engineering products, information technology, and agricultural goods.
The FPCCI leader further stressed the importance of encouraging foreign direct investment and expanding investment in industries that can replace imports.
Appealing for swift action, S. M. Tanveer called on the government to convene an “Export Emergency Round Table” to address the external account crisis and implement a strong and sustainable trade policy to confront the trade deficit as a national challenge.