Pakistan’s exports to Middle Eastern countries recorded a significant decline in April 2026, reflecting the growing impact of regional tensions and slowing trade activity in one of Pakistan’s key export destinations. According to official central bank data, exports to the region fell by 8 percent year-on-year during the month.
The total value of exports to Middle Eastern markets stood at $230.079 million in April compared to the same period last year. Shipments to major regional partners including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan all posted declines. Exports to Saudi Arabia showed only slight growth, indicating weaker overall demand across the region.
In contrast, Pakistan’s imports from the Middle East increased by 5 percent in April, reaching $1.548 billion compared to $1.474 billion a year earlier. The increase was mainly driven by higher imports from the UAE, Kuwait, and Jordan, while imports from Qatar, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia recorded declines during the month.
Economic analysts say the widening gap between exports and imports highlights Pakistan’s dependence on the Middle East, especially for energy supplies. The UAE and Saudi Arabia together account for nearly 90 percent of Pakistan’s energy imports from the region, making trade relations highly sensitive to geopolitical developments and oil market fluctuations.
For the first 10 months of fiscal year 2025-26, Pakistan’s exports to the Middle East declined by 2 percent to $2.635 billion compared to $2.676 billion during the same period last year. Imports from the region also decreased by 3 percent to $13.898 billion, helping reduce the trade deficit by 4 percent to $11.263 billion.
Trade figures with Saudi Arabia and the UAE remained mixed during the fiscal year. Exports to Saudi Arabia dropped 4 percent in the July-April period, while imports from the kingdom rose 4 percent. Meanwhile, exports to the UAE slightly increased overall, although April shipments fell 7 percent year-on-year. Imports from the UAE surged 30 percent in April, reflecting stronger demand for goods and energy products.
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