Ayesha Saba

Pakistan’s exports to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recorded a 3% year-on-year rise during November FY2025-26 and the cumulative July–November FY26 period, while shipments to China and Afghanistan declined, according to the Monthly Trade Report for November 2025 released by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP)

TDAP’s country-wise export data show that exports to the UAE in November FY26 increased to $149 million, up from $145 million in November FY25, registering a 3% year-on-year increase. The UAE remained one of Pakistan’s largest export destinations during the month, ranking fourth among export partner countries.

The improvement in monthly exports to the UAE was also reflected in cumulative performance. During July–November FY26, Pakistan’s exports to the UAE stood at $845 million, compared with $731 million in the same period of FY25, recording a 16% increase over the five-month period.

In contrast, exports to China declined on both a monthly and cumulative basis. TDAP data show that Pakistan’s exports to China in November FY26 amounted to $271 million, down from $298 million in November FY25, reflecting a 9% year-on-year decline.

The cumulative figures indicate that exports to China during July–November FY26 fell to $1.032 billion, compared with $1.125 billion in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year, marking an 8% decline. China remained Pakistan’s second-largest export market despite the contraction.

Exports to Afghanistan recorded one of the sharpest cumulative declines among Pakistan’s major export destinations. According to TDAP’s July–November data, exports to Afghanistan during July–November FY26 stood at $332 million, down from $579 million in the same period of FY25, reflecting a significant 43% decrease.

The divergent country-wise trends emerged amid an overall decline in Pakistan’s export performance. Total goods exports during November FY26 were recorded at $2,398 billion, compared with $2.833 billion in November FY25, showing a 15.35% year-on-year contraction. Cumulatively, goods exports during July–November FY26 declined 6.39% to $12.844 billion.

Credit: INP-WealthPk