PkRevenue.com – The Pakistani Rupee has extended its decline by 13 paisas, closing at PKR 278.50 per US dollar on Tuesday, driven by a surge in foreign payments.
This marks a slight drop from the previous day’s closing of PKR 278.37 in the interbank foreign exchange market.
Currency experts attribute the rupee’s decline to the rising demand for dollars needed for foreign payments, particularly due to increased import and corporate transactions. Despite this dip, experts remain optimistic about the rupee’s potential stability in the coming days.
“Typically, the demand for dollars spikes in June due to import and corporate payments,” explained a currency expert. “However, we are hopeful that the rupee will stabilize as the week progresses.”
Authorities are particularly focused on managing the rupee’s value against the dollar by June 30, 2024, to ensure economic stability. The recent influx of export receipts has played a crucial role in bolstering the rupee. Pakistani exporters have benefited from favorable market conditions, leading to increased foreign exchange inflows.
“Export receipts have been instrumental in supporting the rupee recently,” noted another expert. “These inflows have provided much-needed support to the local currency.”
However, the market is also experiencing heightened demand for dollars due to preemptive buying by importers. These importers are placing orders with foreign suppliers in anticipation of potential hikes in duties and taxes on imported goods, further pressuring the rupee.
Despite these pressures, analysts remain positive about the rupee’s stability towards the end of the current fiscal year. Key economic indicators, such as significant reductions in the trade deficit and current account deficit, bolster this optimism.
“The recent contraction in the trade deficit and current account deficit provides a solid foundation for the rupee’s stability,” said an analyst. “As long as these economic indicators continue to improve, we can expect the rupee to maintain its value relative to the dollar, at least in the near term.”
Over the past year, Pakistan’s economy has faced numerous challenges, with fluctuating exchange rates being a major concern for businesses and consumers. However, government efforts to address the trade deficit and improve the current account balance have begun to yield positive results.
“The steps taken to curb the trade deficit are showing promise,” said another analyst. “With continued focus on economic reforms and stability measures, the rupee is expected to navigate through the fluctuations more resiliently.”
As the fiscal year progresses, all eyes will be on the government’s economic policies and their impact on the rupee. For now, the recent appreciation against the dollar offers a glimmer of hope for stability in the foreign exchange market.
Despite the current dip, the overall sentiment remains cautiously optimistic, hinging on continuous economic reforms and effective policy implementation to sustain the rupee’s value and ensure long-term economic stability.
