ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s merchandise exports to North America grew 3.07 per cent to $3.916 billion in the first seven months of 2025-26 compared to $3.799bn in the corresponding period last year.
The export rebound was largely fuelled by a slight increase in shipments to the United States, signalling a strengthening trade relationship between Islamabad and Washington. Nearly 94pc of Pakistan’s exports to North America were destined for the US market, with the remainder primarily directed toward Canada.
In FY25, exports to North America recorded a 9.97pc rise to $6.415bn from $5.833bn in FY24. The rise is primarily due to a surge in textile and clothing exports to the US, according to data compiled by the State Bank of Pakistan. Exports to US rose 3.47pc to $3.690bn in 7MFY26 from $3.566bn a year ago.
In FY25, exports to the US rose 10.72pc to $6.028bn from $5.444bn in the preceding year.
Textile and clothing drive growth in North American trade
Exports to Canada shrank 2.64pc to $226.28m in 7MFY26 from $232.42m a year ago. In FY25, exports stood at $386.106m against $389.220m in FY24, indicating a decline of 0.80pc.
However, imports from North America surged 29pc to $1.821bn in 7MFY26 from $1.411bn a year ago. Imports recorded a 26.98pc rise to $2.588bn in FY25 from $2.038bn, with maximum arrivals from the US.
Under the new agreement, Pakistan will import additional $2.5bn worth goods from the US to balance the trade deficit in the current fiscal year. In the same region, Pakistan’s export to Latin America stood at $37.14m in 7MFY26 against $45.78m a year ago, a fall of 18.87pc. Export to Latin America dipped 7.52pc to $73.521m in FY25 against $79.502m in the preceding year.
Exports to Central America edged up to $103.54m in 7MFY26 from $102.92m. The shipments to key Mexican market fell to $76.55m from $78.85m a year ago.
According to the SBP data, exports to South America — Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, etc — rose 18.46pc to $238.52m in 7MFY26 from $201.34m a year ago.
Published in Dawn, February 26th, 2026
