Goods exports hit record $11.4 billion in July to October, government says
Islamabad credits FY27 budget measures, including faster tax refunds and concessional export financing, for 8.8 percent growth from $10.4 billion a year earlier.
Pakistan's goods exports reached $11.4 billion in July to October, the first four months of fiscal year 2026-27, up 8.8 percent from $10.4 billion in the same months last year, the government said on Sunday.
The government, in a statement posted on X, described the total as an all-time high and credited measures introduced in the federal budget for FY27 by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, together with what it called a coordinated approach by the finance team and government institutions. The Associated Press of Pakistan reported the same four-month figures and growth rate.
"This record performance reflects the impact of the measures introduced by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the federal budget, alongside a coordinated approach by the finance team and government institutions to strengthen export and facilitate businesses and industry," the statement said.
The measures the government listed were lower taxes and surcharges for businesses and industry, particularly exporters; faster payment of tax refunds; better use of export development funds; more concessional export financing; and dedicated financing for small and medium exporters, with a focus on micro and small enterprises.
The government said these interventions were helping create a more enabling business environment and strengthen export capacity "despite persistent regional and global challenges." It said it would keep facilitating businesses, industry and investors through a more competitive policy environment, improved access to finance and structural reforms.
Arab News PK reported that Sharif has tasked the authorities with raising Pakistan's exports to $60 billion by 2029. The outlet also reported that Pakistan has been working to expand exports and regional trade and connectivity to reduce its reliance on bilateral and multilateral creditors.
The statement gave no breakdown of exports by month, sector or destination, and did not set out the corresponding import figures for the four-month period.
How the reports differ
Both outlets carried the same four-month figures and the same government statement on X. Arab News PK added that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has tasked authorities with lifting exports to $60 billion by 2029, and itemised the budget measures the government listed, including support targeted at micro and small enterprises. The Associated Press of Pakistan led on the all-time high for the period and described the growth as impressive.
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