By Ijaz Kakakhel

Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan, Russia and five Central Asian Republics (CARs) more than doubled in July 2026, rising 128.3% month-on-month to $40.34 million from $17.67 million in June 2026, while imports from these markets declined 17.4% to $16.58 million from $20.06 million, according to official trade data, available with Wealth Pakistan.

The month-on-month figures show a strong improvement on the export side, led by a sharp rebound in shipments to Afghanistan and substantial increases in exports to Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Of the seven markets covered in the data, four recorded export growth in July while three witnessed declines.

Afghanistan recorded the sharpest increase, with Pakistan’s exports surging to $11.7 million in July from just $0.28 million in June, representing month-on-month growth of 4,138%. At the same time, Pakistan’s imports from Afghanistan declined 53.6% to $0.03 million from $0.06 million.

Exports to Kazakhstan also maintained strong momentum, increasing 62.3% to $12.03 million in July from $7.41 million in June. Imports from Kazakhstan remained relatively small but increased 61.2% to $0.1 million from $0.06 million.

Russia emerged as another major contributor to the monthly exports. Pakistan’s exports to Russia jumped 137.4% to $7.31 million in July from $3.08 million in June. In contrast, imports from Russia — the largest among the seven markets covered — declined 28.3% to $13.03 million from $18.18 million.

Trade with Uzbekistan also expanded considerably during the month. Pakistan’s exports increased 55.1% to $7.9 million from $5.09 million, while imports more than doubled, rising 136.4% to $2.14 million from $0.91 million.

The remaining Central Asian markets showed a weaker export trend. Exports to Kyrgyzstan declined 28.8% to $0.4 million in July from $0.56 million in June, while imports dropped 56.5% to $0.04 million from $0.09 million.

Pakistan’s exports to Tajikistan fell 20.1% to $0.91 million from $1.14 million. Imports, however, increased from a very low base to $0.02 million in July from $0.00 million in June, posting an increase of 624.8%.

Similarly, exports to Turkmenistan decreased 24.9% to $0.08 million from $0.11 million. Imports moved in the opposite direction, increasing 59.2% to $1.21 million from $0.76 million.

Overall, the July figures point to a marked month-on-month improvement in Pakistan’s export performance across these regional markets. The rise in exports alongside lower aggregate imports also sharply shifted the trade position. The improvement was particularly driven by Afghanistan, Russia, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, which together accounted for the overwhelming majority of Pakistan’s exports to the markets covered during July.

Credit: INP-WealthPk