Pakistan-Saudi Trade Falls as Pakistani Exports Decline

Pakistan’s trade with Saudi Arabia declined slightly in FY2025-26, mainly because Pakistani exports to the kingdom fell while imports from Saudi Arabia increased. The latest government figures show that the overall trade relationship remains heavily tilted toward Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan-Saudi Trade Falls 0.27%

Total bilateral trade between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia reached $4.75 billion in FY2025-26, down slightly from $4.76 billion in FY2024-25.

The 0.27% decline may appear small, but the underlying numbers reveal a more important trend: Pakistan's exports to Saudi Arabia decreased while its imports from the kingdom increased.

Pakistan-Saudi Trade	FY2024-25	FY2025-26	Change
Total trade	$4.76bn	$4.75bn	-0.27%
Pakistan's imports	$4.04bn	$4.06bn	+~1%
Pakistan's exports	$724m	$687m	-~5%

Pakistan's Exports to Saudi Arabia Decline

Pakistan’s exports to Saudi Arabia dropped by around 5%, falling from $724 million to $687 million during FY2025-26.

This decline is significant because Saudi Arabia is an important market for Pakistani businesses, particularly for food, textiles and other consumer products.

The latest figures suggest Pakistani exporters are still facing challenges in expanding their presence in the Saudi market.

Saudi Imports to Pakistan Increase

At the same time, Pakistan's imports from Saudi Arabia increased by around 1%, reaching $4.06 billion compared with $4.04 billion in the previous fiscal year.

This means Pakistan continues to purchase far more from Saudi Arabia than it sells to the kingdom.

As a result, the trade relationship remains heavily weighted in Saudi Arabia's favor.

Pakistan's Trade Deficit With Saudi Arabia

The difference between Pakistan's imports and exports to Saudi Arabia was roughly $3.37 billion in FY2025-26.

That means for every dollar of Pakistani exports to Saudi Arabia, Pakistan imported several dollars' worth of goods from the kingdom.

This imbalance remains one of the key challenges for Pakistan as it attempts to expand exports and reduce its overall trade deficit.

Why the Numbers Matter for Pakistan

The latest figures highlight a broader issue for Pakistan: increasing exports to Gulf markets while reducing the trade imbalance.

Saudi Arabia is particularly important because it is not only a major trading partner but also one of Pakistan's largest sources of remittances through Pakistani workers living in the kingdom.

Pakistan therefore has a strong economic incentive to expand exports to Saudi Arabia rather than relying primarily on imports.

Recent regional trade data has also shown pressure on Pakistani exports to Middle Eastern markets.

What Could Help Pakistani Exports?

Pakistani businesses have opportunities to increase exports if they can improve product quality, meet Saudi standards and build stronger distribution networks.

Potential areas include: