Pakistan’s import structure was reshaped by the tariff rationalisation drive in FY26, as nearly 39.2% of the total import bill was brought in duty-free. Official data showed that imports worth $27.02 billion entered without customs duties out of a total import bill of $68.99 billion. The shift was aimed at reducing input costs for industrial sectors and improving competitiveness, while $41.97 billion, or 60.8%, of imports remained subject to duties.

Pakistan’s fish and fish preparations exports reached a record $568 million during FY2025-26. Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said frozen fish remained the top export item, followed by squid, cuttlefish, fish meal, shrimps, crabs and other seafood products. Major export destinations included China, Thailand, Malaysia, the UAE, Japan, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Indonesia and the United States. The record was achieved despite Gulf-related trade and maritime logistics disruptions.

Pakistan and the United States will begin two days of trade negotiations in Washington on Thursday, with tariffs expected to remain the main focus. Relief from new US import duties will be sought by Islamabad, while a broader bilateral trade agreement will also be discussed. The Pakistani delegation will be led by Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul and will include Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi and other senior officials. A framework for a new trade agreement is expected to be finalised during the talks.