US is Pakistan’s Top Export Destination, Loses Most to China

The United States remained Pakistan’s largest export destination during FY26, accounting for 20 percent of the country’s total exports, while China remained the country’s biggest source of imports and its largest trade deficit partner.

According to data compiled by Topline Securities using State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) figures, China ranked as Pakistan’s second largest export market with a 9 percent share. On the other hand, China remained Pakistan’s largest trade deficit partner by a significant margin, with the deficit reaching $16.85 billion during FY26.

Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands each contributed 5 percent, while Italy accounted for 4 percent. Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia made up 2 percent each, with all other destinations collectively representing 33 percent of Pakistan’s exports.

The data also showed that Pakistan maintained its largest trade surplus with the United States, posting a surplus of $2.86 billion during FY26. The United Kingdom ranked second with a surplus of $1.42 billion, followed by Spain at $1.35 billion, the Netherlands at $942 million, and Germany at $765 million.

The United Arab Emirates followed with a deficit of $6.25 billion, while the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recorded a deficit of $3.36 billion. Pakistan also posted trade deficits of $3.27 billion with Qatar and $2.24 billion with Singapore.

The figures underscore Pakistan’s continued reliance on imports from regional trading partners, particularly energy products, machinery, industrial raw materials, and electronics, while export earnings remain concentrated in the United States and European markets, where demand for textiles, apparel, leather products, and other manufactured goods continues to support the country’s external trade.