Pakistan's Trade and Commerce: Deficit, Key Sectors, and Challenges

Trade (FY 2021–22)

• Trade deficit: $31.8B (up from $22.6B)
• Imports: $73.8B (+25%) – machinery, petroleum, chemicals, food
• Exports: $41.9B (+16%) – textiles/clothing, rice, leather, sports goods
• Top partners: China, US, UAE, Afghanistan

Commerce

• Services sector: >50% of GDP (wholesale/retail, real estate, finance)
• E-commerce: Rapid growth; projected $1B by 2025
• WTO member – facilitates international trade

Challenges

• Large trade deficit
• Export concentration (low diversification)
• Infrastructure gaps
• High business costs
• Political instability

Government efforts aim to address these constraints.