Pakistan's trade deficit with nine neighbouring countries widened to $4.97 billion in July to September 2026, up 26.62% from $3.93 billion a year earlier, Dawn reported, citing State Bank of Pakistan data. Exports to the group fell while imports rose, widening the gap from both directions.

What the $4.97bn figure covers

Exports to the nine countries — China, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Iran and Nepal — were put at $944.24 million, down 6.72% year on year, while imports were put at $5.92 billion, up 19.79%. The figure covers those nine markets only, not Pakistan's trade with the rest of the world.

China drives most of the widening

China accounts for most of the change: $858.808 million of the widening, about 82.18% of the total increase, was attributed to the growing bilateral imbalance with China, with exports to China put at $663.57 million against imports of $5.82 billion. No exports to India were recorded in the quarter, while imports from India rose 68.90% to $61.74 million. Exports to Bangladesh fell 2.96% to $174.77 million. The Afghanistan figures carry a caveat: exports were reported at $18.86 million even though the same report notes trade with Afghanistan, including exports, had been suspended since 10 October 2025 — the figures alone do not confirm that cross-border trade has resumed.

Sources: Dawn, citing State Bank of Pakistan data, via Origin Pakistan summary.