Karachi, April 12, 2025 – The Site Association of Industry (SAI) has called on the federal government to form a high-level panel comprising representatives from Pakistan’s key industrial cities to evaluate and respond to the recent 29% increase in tariffs imposed by the United States on Pakistani exports.
In a statement, SAI President Ahmed Azeem Alvi emphasized the urgent need for a coordinated national response to counter the economic implications of these new US tariffs. He proposed that the committee include members from Karachi, Lahore, Sialkot, and Faisalabad, particularly those representing large-scale manufacturers and small & medium enterprises (SMEs) with experience in international trade and industrial development.
“These tariffs pose a serious threat to our export-driven sectors, but with the right planning and the right people, we can transform this challenge into an opportunity,” said Alvi. “Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has shown commitment to economic revival, and the business community has full confidence in his leadership.”
The proposed panel would assess the impact of the US tariffs on Pakistan’s exports and domestic production. It would also recommend policy adjustments and incentive structures to ensure the continuity of trade and support for industries dependent on imported raw materials. SAI believes this initiative will help protect employment and industrial output while positioning Pakistan’s products more competitively in the global market.
Alvi further recommended dispatching trade delegations to the United States for business-to-business (B2B) meetings to foster direct engagement with American buyers. He stressed the critical role of Pakistan’s commercial attachés in facilitating such connections and securing long-term export deals, particularly in the wake of the tariff hike.
“SAI urges the government to act swiftly and strategically. We cannot afford a passive stance on tariffs that directly threaten our economic momentum,” Alvi stated. He added that Pakistan’s longstanding diplomatic ties with the US should be leveraged to negotiate fairer terms and explore tariff exemptions for key sectors.
By supporting this initiative, SAI hopes to help steer the country through trade challenges while strengthening bilateral economic relations.