China continued to dominate as Pakistan’s top source of imports in January 2026, with shipments valued at $1.62 billion, reflecting an 18.7 percent increase compared to $1.37 billion recorded in the same month last year, according to the State Bank of Pakistan. Despite a monthly decline of 8 percent from December 2025, China’s leading position highlights the country’s enduring role in Pakistan’s supply chain, particularly in industrial goods, machinery, and consumer products.
Following China, the United Arab Emirates, specifically Dubai, ranked second in import sources, with Pakistan importing goods worth $405.69 million during January. This represents a 27 percent year-on-year decline from $555.69 million in the previous January, while on a month-on-month basis, imports from the UAE fell by 30.3 percent. The sharp drop reflects a correction in trade flows, likely linked to reduced re-exports and seasonal variations in commodity shipments.
Saudi Arabia held the third position, with imports totaling $354.39 million, down 2.8 percent year-on-year, though imports rose 9.6 percent month-on-month. The sustained demand for oil-related products and petrochemicals from Saudi Arabia continues to underpin bilateral trade, even as fluctuations in global energy prices influence monthly variations.
Indonesia ranked fourth, contributing $332.45 million in imports for January, marking a 10.3 percent increase year-on-year. This growth is indicative of expanding trade relations in sectors such as palm oil, electronics, and industrial supplies. Meanwhile, other notable import sources included Qatar, U.S.A., and Singapore. Imports from Qatar declined 37.3 percent to $260.34 million, while shipments from the U.S. rose 35.4 percent to $254.99 million. Singapore contributed $226.41 million, down 4.6 percent year-on-year, reflecting its role in specialized industrial and technological goods imports.
Cumulative data for the first seven months of FY26 underscores China’s dominant position, with total imports amounting to $11.1 billion, compared to $8.91 billion in 7MFY25. U.A.E. imports for the same period totaled $3.81 billion, showing a 9.7 percent increase, while Saudi Arabia ranked third with $2.27 billion, up from $2.17 billion in the previous year. These cumulative trends reflect a mix of rising demand for industrial inputs, energy-related products, and consumer goods, shaping Pakistan’s import landscape.
The data reveals evolving trade patterns with a notable concentration in key partner countries. While China maintains the largest share of imports, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia continue to play significant roles in balancing supply across sectors. Monthly fluctuations, such as declines in UAE and Chinese imports, highlight the sensitivity of trade flows to seasonal demand, currency movements, and global market conditions.
Analysts suggest that sustained import growth from China and moderate increases from Indonesia and Saudi Arabia could provide continuity in industrial and consumer supply chains. However, volatility in imports from other regions, particularly the UAE and Qatar, signals potential challenges in managing trade balances and foreign exchange pressures. Policymakers and businesses are expected to monitor these trends closely to align procurement strategies and optimize supply chain resilience.
Overall, January 2026’s import data underscores China’s pivotal role in Pakistan’s external trade while highlighting shifts in trade patterns across the Gulf and Southeast Asian regions. Continued engagement with key partners will be critical to ensuring stable import flows and supporting Pakistan’s broader economic objectives.
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