Islamabad, April 2, 2026 – Pakistan has reported a 5.57% decline in imports during March 2026, reflecting the early economic impact of escalating regional tensions following the Iran war. The conflict, triggered after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, has disrupted global logistics and slowed foreign trade across the region.
According to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), imports stood at $5 billion in March, down from $5.29 billion in February. While the month-on-month drop appears moderate, analysts note that March has 31 days compared to February’s 28, indicating a more significant slowdown in trade activity when adjusted for time.
Exports also showed signs of pressure, declining slightly by 0.5% to $2.26 billion in March from $2.28 billion in the previous month. On a per-day basis, exports reflect a sharper contraction, suggesting weakening external demand and logistical constraints linked to the ongoing conflict.
Cumulatively, Pakistan’s import bill during the first nine months (July–March) of fiscal year 2025-26 rose by 6.64% to $50.54 billion, compared to $47.39 billion in the same period last year. In contrast, exports dropped by 8% to $22.73 billion, down from $24.72 billion a year earlier.
Economists warn that prolonged geopolitical instability could further strain Pakistan’s trade balance, disrupt supply chains, and impact foreign exchange reserves. Policymakers may need to adopt urgent measures to stabilize exports and manage import pressures in the coming months.