Pakistan’s exports to the United States fell sharply in November, marking a deepening slowdown in bilateral trade as the impact of newly imposed U.S. tariffs has continued to build over recent months. Gwadar Pro quoting data released by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) stated, Pakistan’s exports to the U.S. declined by 8% year on year in November of fiscal year 2025–26, underscoring mounting pressure on the country’s external trade performance since higher tariffs were introduced in August.

Exports to the U.S. stood at $439 million in November, down from $476 million in the same month last year, a contraction of $37 million. The November figures mark the second consecutive monthly decline, largely attributed to the 19% tariff imposed by the United States on Pakistani goods in August, which has dampened demand and eroded price competitiveness. On a month-on-month basis, the decline was even more pronounced. Exports fell by nearly 15%, from $517 million in October to $439 million in November.

In October of FY 2025–26, shipments to the U.S. had already edged lower, slipping about 1% compared with $523 million recorded in October of the previous fiscal year. The export trend has remained uneven since the new tariffs took effect. While Pakistan’s exports to the U.S. rose to $528 million in September, an 11% year-on-year increase, August 2025 proved particularly discouraging, with exports declining 13% compared with the corresponding month last year, when shipments totaled $577 million.

Cumulatively, Pakistan’s exports to the United States between August and November of FY 2025–26 amounted to $1.985 billion, down from $2.016 billion during the same period of the previous fiscal year. The $31 million shortfall highlights a gradual yet persistent loss of export momentum as higher tariffs continue to weigh on trade flows.

The latest trade figures appear to validate earlier warnings by the SAARC Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCI) and the South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA) that U.S. reciprocal tariffs would steadily undermine Pakistan’s export competitiveness. The report had forecast a 20–30% drop in export volumes, particularly in textiles, as higher duties squeezed margins and disrupted orders. The latest decline suggests the impact of the 19% tariff is now taking hold, intensifying pressure on export earnings and the broader economy.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China