Pakistan’s imports surged by $1 billion in July 2025, marking a 23% month-on-month increase and pushing the total import bill to $5.86 billion, according to fresh data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).
The sharp uptick underscores rising demand for foreign goods across multiple sectors, further straining the country’s already fragile trade balance.
Sectors Driving the Spike
- Smartphone Demand Explodes
Smartphone imports soared 125%, crossing Rs41.38 billion as consumer electronics demand continues to surge despite currency pressures. - Petroleum Purchases Edge Higher
Fuel imports rose 6.4%, reaching $1.34 billion, reflecting Pakistan’s continued reliance on energy imports amid rising consumption needs. - Vehicles and Transport Equipment Surge
Transport-related imports jumped an eye-catching 168%, while vehicle imports alone surged 139%, topping $30 million—a trend likely tied to automotive supply chain normalization. - Textiles & Food Items Climb
Textile imports rose 21%, while food-related purchases surpassed $740 million. Key commodities included milk, cream, wheat, dry fruits, and tea. Palm oil alone accounted for over Rs300 million in spending.
Trade Deficit Nears $3.2B
The surge in imports deepened Pakistan’s trade deficit, which ballooned 29.4% to $3.18 billion in July. Economists warn that such import-heavy growth signals a dangerous reliance on foreign goods, potentially putting further pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
With a widening deficit and rising energy and consumer imports, analysts say Pakistan’s policymakers face mounting pressure to curb unnecessary imports and stimulate export growth to stabilize the economy.
