ISLAMABAD: Exports to the Middle East fell by eight per cent year-on-year to $230.079 million in April, reflecting the impact of the ongoing conflict on the country’s external trade with the region.
Shipments to the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan declined in April, while exports to Saudi Arabia posted a paltry growth, reversing the bullish trend, according to data compiled by the State Bank of Pakistan.
In contrast, imports from the region revived, posting 5pc growth in April, mainly led by the UAE, Kuwait and Jordan.
However, imports from Qatar, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia declined.
It was the second contraction since March, suggesting that Pakistan’s import flows are highly sensitive to geopolitical developments, particularly in energy corridors.
Pakistan was heavily reliant on energy imports, particularly from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, with a combined share of 90pc. Other countries, including Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain, remain secondary contributors despite their export capacity.
Exports to the Middle East fell 2pc to $2.635bn in 10MFY26 from $2.676bn a year ago.
At the same time, Pakistan’s imports from the Middle East saw a negative growth of 3pc to $13.898bn in 10MFY26 from $14.370bn a year ago.
In April, imports grew 5pc to $1.548bn from $1.474bn over the last year.
In FY25, imports rose 5.64pc to $17.081bn from $16.169bn in FY24.
The trade deficit with the Middle East decelerated by 4pc to $11.263bn in July-April FY26, from $11.694bn in the corresponding months of last year. In FY25, the deficit with the region widened by 7.37pc to $13.974bn from $13.014bn a year ago.
Exports to Saudi Arabia fell 4pc to $583.94m in 10MFY26 from $607.21m. However, exports to Saudi Arabia witnessed an uptick.
Imports from the kingdom grew by 4pc to $3.316bn from $3.176bn in 10MFY26. However, imports fell 2pc year-on-year in April.
Exports to the UAE posted a marginal increase of 0.35pc to $1.786bn in 10MFY26 from $1.780bn year ago. However, exports year-on-year contracted 7pc in April.
Imports from the UAE rose 5pc year-on-year to $6.944bn in 10MFY26. In April, imports surged 30pc year-on-year.
Exports to Bahrain declined 39pc, Qatar 21pc, Kuwait 36pc and Jordan 26pc in April year-on-year. Similarly, imports from Bahrain plunged 73pc and Qatar 97pc. However, imports from Kuwait and Jordan surged.
Published in Dawn, May 19th, 2026
