Moaaz Manzoor

Pakistan’s imports from China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recorded sharp year-on-year growth in November FY 2025-26, significantly influencing the country’s overall import pattern for the month, according to the Monthly Trade Report for November 2025 released by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP)

TDAP’s country-wise import data show that imports from China in November FY26 surged to $1.47 billion, compared with $1.39 billion in November FY25, reflecting a 29% year-on-year increase. China remained Pakistan’s largest source of imports during the month, accounting for the highest import value among all partner countries.

The cumulative figures show a similar trend. During July–November FY26, Pakistan’s imports from China stood at $7.848 billion, up from $6.070 billion in the corresponding period of FY25, registering a 29% increase over the five-month period. China continued to dominate Pakistan’s import profile during FY26 to date.

Imports from the United Arab Emirates also recorded strong growth in November. TDAP data indicate that imports from the UAE in November FY26 amounted to $519 million, compared with $357 million in November FY25, reflecting a sharp 45% year-on-year increase.

On a cumulative basis, imports from the UAE during July–November FY26 rose to $2.69 billion, up from $2.036 billion in the same period of the previous fiscal year, posting a 32% increase, according to TDAP’s country-wise import tables.

The strong growth in imports from China and the UAE contributed to the overall rise in Pakistan’s import bill during November. Total goods imports in November FY26 were recorded at $5.25 billion, compared with $4.98 billion in November FY25, showing a 5.42% year-on-year increase.

The increase in imports from these two countries occurred amid a contraction in export receipts. TDAP data show that Pakistan’s goods exports in November FY26 declined to $2.398 billion, from $2.83 billion in November FY25, reflecting a 15.35% year-on-year decrease, which contributed to a widening of the goods trade deficit during the month.

Credit: INP-WealthPk