In Remote Areas of Pakistan, Majority of the Homes are Still Left Without Electricity
July 11, 2025By Maheen Azar
Intern – GDAP Summer Program 2025
The Aga Khan University
In 2024, Pakistan exported goods worth around USD 32.34 billion, while imports totaled USD 56.75 billion, resulting in a trade deficit of over USD 24.4 billion. That’s a significant gap. Once again, the country spent far more on foreign goods than it earned from its own exports. It’s a familiar cycle — and one that’s becoming harder to ignore.
Our Textile Group remained the backbone of exports, but its share actually dipped slightly from 56.39% last year to 53.97%. It’s still our strongest area, and also the only one with a positive trade balance, but the decline hints at trouble if we don’t innovate or expand. On a brighter note, the Food Group is gaining ground, showing consistent export growth over the past three years, up 18.38% in 2023 and 26.91% in 2024.
As for imports, no surprises: Petroleum, Machinery, and Agriculture still top the list. Interestingly though, Machinery has now overtaken Agriculture since 2021, suggesting maybe we’re investing more in industry, but are still not investing enough in local production.
Beyond the numbers, it’s a reminder that we’re vulnerable. But it’s also a window of opportunity. If we focus on making more of what we consume, and exporting more than just cotton and rice, we can start rewriting this story. The data is sobering, yes. But it also tells us exactly where to begin.
For More Information:
https://galluppakistandigitalanalytics.com/pakistan-import-export-dashboard/
