ISLAMABAD, October 30, 2026 — Pakistan’s merchandise exports increased by 7.7 percent during the first quarter of the current fiscal year, reaching $8.5 billion as the government renewed its emphasis on export-led economic growth.
Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal presented the figures during the Monthly Development Update for October 2026 in Islamabad on Thursday.
According to the update, merchandise exports stood at $8.5 billion between July and September 2026, compared with $7.9 billion during the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.
The increase indicates an improvement in export earnings during the opening three months of FY2026-27.
Iqbal said Pakistan’s economic recovery needed to be supported by productive investment, fiscal discipline and sustainable export growth rather than short-term measures alone.
The minister also emphasised the importance of directing development resources towards underserved areas and ensuring that public spending delivers measurable benefits.
Export growth is particularly important for Pakistan because earnings from goods sold abroad provide foreign exchange that can help finance imports and support the country’s external financial position.
A sustained increase in exports can also create opportunities for manufacturers, agricultural producers, transport operators and other businesses connected to international trade.
However, the latest figures cover only the first quarter of the fiscal year and do not establish how exports will perform over the remaining nine months.
Future performance will depend on factors including overseas demand, production costs, energy availability and the ability of Pakistani exporters to remain competitive in international markets.
The Planning Ministry’s update forms part of the government’s broader effort to connect economic recovery with development spending and structural reforms.
The minister also highlighted the need for better project management and effective use of public resources.
For exporters, the key question will be whether the first-quarter increase can be maintained through the rest of FY2027.
The latest figures provide an encouraging early indication, but a sustained improvement will require continued growth in export volumes and earnings.