The United States remained Pakistan’s largest export destination during December 2025, reflecting the continued importance of the American market for the country’s external trade, according to the latest data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Exports to the US stood at $537.56 million during the month, marking a year-on-year increase of 6.5% compared to shipments worth $504.59 million in the same period last year.
The data highlights that despite global economic uncertainty and shifting trade dynamics, Pakistan’s export relationship with the United States continues to show resilience. On a month-on-month basis, exports to the US recorded a strong growth of 19.1%, indicating improved shipment volumes and stronger demand compared to November 2025. The US also maintained its leading position on a cumulative basis, accounting for export receipts of $3.18 billion during the first six months of the ongoing fiscal year (6MFY26), up from $3.02 billion in the corresponding period of last year.
China ranked as Pakistan’s second-largest export destination in December, with exports valued at $233.09 million. This figure was marginally lower than the $233.49 million recorded in December of the previous year, reflecting a slight year-on-year decline of 0.2%. However, on a sequential basis, exports to China rose sharply by 20% compared to the preceding month, suggesting a recovery in trade flows toward the end of the year.
On a cumulative basis, exports to China during 6MFY26 amounted to $1.22 billion, registering a decline of 5.6% compared to the same period last year. The data suggests that while China remains a key trading partner, Pakistan’s export performance in this market has faced pressure amid changing demand patterns and competitive challenges.
The United Kingdom emerged as the third-largest export destination for Pakistan in December, generating export earnings of $191.56 million. This represented a robust year-on-year increase of 15.8% compared to exports of $165.42 million in the same month last year. On a month-on-month basis, exports to the UK surged by 26.1%, indicating strong momentum in shipments toward the European market.
Cumulatively, exports to the UK during the first half of FY26 stood at $1.1 billion, remaining broadly in line with the export value recorded in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year. The UK’s stable contribution underscores its continued role as a major destination for Pakistan’s textile and value-added exports.
The United Arab Emirates, particularly the Dubai market, ranked fourth among Pakistan’s export destinations in December. Exports to UAE Dubai amounted to $166.69 million, showing a year-on-year increase of 6.5%. The UAE continues to serve as both a consumption market and a re-export hub for Pakistani goods, particularly in textiles, food products, and consumer items.
Among other major destinations, Pakistan’s exports to Germany reached $145.33 million during December, posting a year-on-year growth of 6.5%. Spain also recorded a notable increase, with exports rising by 7.5% to $133.31 million. Meanwhile, export receipts from the Netherlands stood at $130.93 million, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 7.7%.
Overall, the data points to a broadly positive trend in Pakistan’s export performance across several key markets during December, supported by both year-on-year and month-on-month growth in major destinations. While challenges remain in certain markets, particularly China on a cumulative basis, the strong performance in the US and UK suggests that Pakistan’s export sector continues to find opportunities in diversified global markets.
The SBP figures underline the importance of sustaining competitiveness, improving market access, and supporting exporters to ensure that export growth remains a key pillar of external sector stability in the months ahead.
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