Pakistan’s exports to North America climbed nearly 10% in the fiscal year 2024-25, reaching $6.415 billion, according to fresh data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). The boost was almost entirely driven by higher shipments to the United States, particularly in textiles and clothing.
U.S. Market Leads the Surge
Sales to the U.S. alone rose 10.72%, touching $6.028 billion compared to $5.444 billion a year earlier. Textiles and apparel made up about 94% of all North American shipments, underscoring the sector’s central role in Pakistan’s trade profile. Analysts say Pakistan benefited from reduced output in competing markets such as Bangladesh and Vietnam, allowing it to reclaim lost market share in American retail chains.
Canada Flatlines
While U.S. demand grew, Canada was a different story. Exports there edged down 0.8% to $386.1 million. Industry observers point to sluggish Canadian consumer spending and a more diversified sourcing network that kept Pakistani goods from gaining traction.
Imports Rising Even Faster
North America isn’t just a bigger buyer — it’s also selling more to Pakistan. Imports from the region jumped nearly 27% to $2.588 billion in FY25, largely from U.S. suppliers. A recent trade agreement with Washington is expected to widen this flow further, with Pakistan set to import an additional $2.5 billion worth of goods to help ease the bilateral trade gap.
Mixed Results Across the Americas
Beyond North America, Pakistan’s trade performance in the wider Americas was uneven. Exports to Latin America fell 7.52% to $73.5 million, while shipments to Central America slipped 2.89% to $169.3 million. South America was the lone bright spot outside the north, posting a 4.87% increase to $349.6 million.
The Bigger Picture
The U.S. textile appetite continues to be a lifeline for Pakistan’s export economy, but the reliance on a single sector — and one dominant market — leaves trade earnings vulnerable to shifts in American demand or global competition. Industry experts suggest diversification into other high-value goods and broader market outreach as the next step for sustainable growth.
