Moaaz Manzoor

Pakistan’s services sector recorded improved performance in November 2025, with export earnings increasing sharply and the services trade deficit narrowing during the month, according to the Monthly Trade Report released by the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).

TDAP data shows that services exports increased by 22 percent year-on-year in November, reaching $814 million, compared with November 2024. The rise in services export earnings marked one of the strongest monthly performances recorded by the sector during the ongoing fiscal year.

At the same time, services imports stood at $953 million in November, resulting in a services trade deficit of $139 million for the month, according to the TDAP report. The deficit narrowed compared to previous periods, as higher export receipts offset import payments within the services category.

The report provides a breakdown of Pakistan’s services trade, covering key components such as transport, travel, telecommunications, computer and information services, and other business services. The overall increase in services exports contributed to an improvement in the balance of the services account during November.

Cumulative figures included in the TDAP document show that services exports have maintained an upward trajectory during the first months of the ongoing fiscal year. While the report presents detailed monthly data, the November figures stand out for the scale of year-on-year growth recorded that month.

According to the TDAP report, Pakistan’s overall trade performance continued to face pressure from the merchandise account during the period. However, the services sector provided relative support to the external trade position by recording higher export earnings and a reduced deficit.

The Monthly Trade Report includes detailed tables outlining monthly and cumulative values for services exports and imports, along with year-on-year comparisons. These tables show that while services imports remained substantial, the pace of export growth contributed to an improved balance within the services trade account during November.

TDAP’s data further indicates that the improvement in services exports occurred alongside fluctuations in goods trade performance. While merchandise exports declined in December, the earlier rise in services exports helped moderate pressures on the overall trade balance.

The report presents the services trade figures strictly on the basis of recorded data, without interpretation or commentary. It outlines export and import values for services categories, allowing for comparison across months and fiscal periods.

Overall, Pakistan’s services trade deficit narrowed to $139 million in November, reflecting higher export receipts relative to imports during the month. The figures highlight the role of services exports in Pakistan’s external trade during the period under review, as documented in the official statistics released by TDAP.

The TDAP Monthly Trade Report provides a comprehensive overview of Pakistan’s services trade, detailing monthly movements and cumulative trends. The November data shows that services exports recorded strong growth, contributing to a reduced services deficit during the month.

The document-based figures included in the report present a factual account of Pakistan’s services trade performance, illustrating how changes in export and import values shaped the services account during November 2025.

Credit: INP-WealthPk