By Special Correspondent
Pakistan’s trade with China saw a big imbalance in September 2025, as imports jumped 31% while exports fell 20%, according to a report from the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) obtained exclusively by this reporter.
The numbers show that China is becoming Pakistan’s main trading partner, but they also reveal weaknesses in Pakistan’s ability to compete in exports and its heavy reliance on Chinese goods.
In September, imports from China rose to US$1.74 billion, up from US$1.33 billion a year earlier. China stayed Pakistan’s top source of imports, with a large share of goods coming from the country.
The increase was mainly driven by machinery, electronics, chemicals, and industrial materials, reflecting strong demand in Pakistan’s manufacturing and technology sectors.
TDAP data shows that imports of phones, smartphones, motor vehicles, and industrial polymers grew sharply, mostly from Chinese manufacturers. Other manufacturing products rose 13%, agro and food imports increased 31%, and textile and leather imports jumped 45% compared to last year.
On the export side, Pakistan struggled. Exports to China fell to US$201 million from US$250 million in September 2024, a steep 20% drop. This happened even as demand for Pakistani goods in the U.S. and Europe grew slightly.
Agriculture and textile products drove the decline; agro and food exports fell 37%, led by a 56% drop in rice shipments and lower sales of cotton-based products like woven fabrics and clothing.
Textile and leather exports also slipped 2% due to weak global demand and tougher competition in China.
The trade gap with China widened, contributing to Pakistan’s overall trade deficit, which grew 45.8% year-on-year to US$3.34 billion in September, up from US$2.29 billion last year.
Analysts warn that heavy reliance on Chinese imports, combined with falling exports, could strain Pakistan’s foreign reserves and hurt its balance of payments.
Economists say the rise in imports might show stronger industrial and consumer activity, but the falling exports point to deeper problems.
They recommend boosting value-added production under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), diversifying exports, and securing tariff benefits to make Pakistani goods more competitive in China.
The September trade figures highlight the uneven nature of Pakistan-China trade — showing strong economic ties but heavily favoring China.
Experts caution that without policies to support exporters, the widening gap could hurt Pakistan’s economic stability and reduce the long-term benefits of its strategic partnership with China.
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