Imports from North America rise sharply

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s merchandise exports to North America increased slightly in the first nine months of FY26, while imports from the region recorded a much steeper rise during the same period.

Exports to North America reached $4.921 billion during July-March FY26, up 1.72 per cent from $4.838bn in the corresponding period a year earlier. At the same time, imports from the region climbed 33.44pc to $2.538bn, compared with $1.902bn in the same period last year.

The increase in imports reflected Islamabad’s efforts to reduce trade imbalances with the region, particularly with the United States. Exports to Canada declined during the period under review.

The United States remained Pakistan’s main market in North America, accounting for nearly 95pc of total exports to the region, while the rest went largely to Canada and other countries.

US remains dominant export destination

Exports to the US rose 2pc to $4.634bn in 9MFY26, compared with $4.543bn a year earlier. In FY25, exports to the US stood at $6.028bn, against $5.444bn in the corresponding period of the previous year, marking an increase of 10.72pc.

In contrast, exports to Canada fell 2.40pc to $286.88m in 9MFY26 from $293.94m in the same months of the previous year.

On the import side, total purchases from North America stood at $2.538bn in 9MFY26, up from $1.902bn a year earlier. For FY25, imports from the region were reported at $2.588bn, compared with $2.038bn over the previous year, showing an increase of 26.98pc.

Of the total imports from North America in 9MFY26, imports from the US amounted to $2.133bn, compared with $1.724bn in the corresponding period last year, reflecting an increase of 23.73pc.

Exports to Latin and Central America

Exports to Latin America stood at $51.85m in 9MFY26, down from $58.09m in the previous year, a decline of 10.74pc.

For FY25, exports to Latin America were reported at $73.521m, compared with $79.502m over the previous year, indicating a decline of 7.52pc.

Shipments to Central America were recorded at $124.90m in 9MFY26, compared with $124.95m in the same period last year, showing only a marginal decline.

The figures point to limited growth in Pakistan’s exports to North America during the first nine months of the current fiscal year, even as imports from the region expanded at a much faster pace.