By Farooq Awan

Pakistan’s exports to China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recorded strong growth in February FY2025-26, while shipments to European markets declined and exports to Afghanistan dropped sharply, according to the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan’s (TDAP) Monthly Trade Report for February 2026.

The report shows that exports to China increased by 52% to $245 million in February FY2025-26, compared to $162 million in the same month last year. Similarly, exports to the UAE rose by 72% to $209 million, up from $121 million in February FY2024-25.

In contrast, exports to several European countries recorded declines during the month. Shipments to the United Kingdom fell by 17% to $145 million from $174 million, while exports to Germany declined by 17% to $115 million from $139 million. Exports to the Netherlands also dropped by 18% to $114 million, compared to $139 million in the corresponding month last year.

Other European markets showed similar trends. Exports to Italy decreased by 19% to $77 million from $95 million, while shipments to France fell by 22% to $38 million from $48 million. Spain also recorded a decline of 8%, with exports falling to $109 million in February FY2025-26.

Among regional markets, exports to Bangladesh declined by 26% to $59 million from $80 million, while shipments to Saudi Arabia fell by 7% to $62 million. Exports to Oman also dropped significantly by 40% to $17 million during the month.

At the same time, several markets recorded notable increases. Exports to Kenya rose by 141% to $48 million in February FY2025-26, compared to $20 million in the same month last year. Similarly, exports to South Korea increased by 97% to $22 million, while shipments to Australia rose by 16% to $21 million.

The report also highlights cumulative trends for July-February FY2025-26. Exports to the United States, Pakistan’s largest export destination, increased by 2% to $3.97 billion, compared to $3.87 billion in the same period last year.

Exports to China during the eight-month period rose slightly by 1% to $1.72 billion, while shipments to the UAE increased significantly by 25% to $1.43 billion, compared to $1.14 billion in the corresponding period of the last fiscal year.

On the other hand, exports to Afghanistan declined sharply by 64% to $357 million during July-February FY2025-26, down from $979 million in the same period last year, marking one of the steepest declines among major trading partners.

Exports to Malaysia also recorded a significant drop of 53%, falling to $152 million from $321 million. Similarly, shipments to Sri Lanka declined by 28% to $198 million, while exports to Kazakhstan decreased by 29% to $143 million.

The regional export data indicates varying trends across different regions. Exports to Asia increased by 5% in February FY2025-26, reaching $840 million compared to $798 million in the same month last year. In contrast, exports to Europe declined by 16% to $770 million from $911 million.

Exports to the Americas also decreased by 9% to $483 million, while shipments to Africa fell by 11% to $166 million during the month. Exports to Oceania, however, increased by 11% to $24 million.

On a cumulative basis, exports to Europe declined by 2% during July-February FY2025-26, while shipments to Asia fell by 15%. In contrast, exports to the Americas increased by 5% during the period under review.

Credit: INP-WealthPk