The United States has maintained its position as the premier destination for Pakistani goods, receiving shipments valued at $466.76 million in February 2026. According to the latest data released by the State Bank of Pakistan, this represents a 4.9 percent year-on-year increase from the $445.01 million recorded during the same period last year. Despite a sequential month-on-month dip of nearly 9 percent, the American market remains the most critical pillar for Pakistan’s export sector, particularly for textile and value-added goods.
China followed as the second-largest export partner, with Pakistan shipping goods worth $225.56 million to the neighbor—a 4.4 percent rise compared to February 2025. However, the most striking growth was witnessed in trade with the United Arab Emirates. Export revenue generated from Dubai surged by a massive 51.8 percent year-on-year, reaching $191.4 million. This robust performance in the Gulf region was also reflected in month-on-month figures, which grew by 15.3 percent, signaling a successful push to diversify regional trade and tap into Middle Eastern consumer demand.
The European market presented a more challenging landscape during the review month. Exports to the United Kingdom, traditionally a stronghold for Pakistani products, fell slightly by 1.1 percent to $168.59 million. The decline was more pronounced in Germany, where export receipts dropped by 6.5 percent to $121.51 million. Similarly, exports to the Netherlands and Spain witnessed year-on-year decreases of 5.5 percent and 1.9 percent, respectively. These figures suggest that while North American and Asian demand holds steady, economic cooling in the Eurozone may be impacting the appetite for Pakistani manufactured goods.
On a cumulative basis for the first eight months of the fiscal year (8MFY26), the United States continues to lead with total export receipts of $4.16 billion, up from $4.01 billion in the previous fiscal year. China remains the second-largest cumulative partner at $1.69 billion, despite a marginal 0.4 percent decline over the eight-month period. The United Kingdom maintained its rank as the third-largest contributor for the fiscal year to date, with total exports valued at $1.44 billion.
The overall export trajectory for 8MFY26 highlights a resilient but localized growth pattern. While the massive surge in the UAE market provides a significant buffer for the national exchequer, the contraction in major European economies highlights the need for continued product diversification. As global supply chains adjust to shifting geopolitical realities, maintaining the upward momentum in the US and Chinese markets will be vital for Pakistan to meet its annual export targets and stabilize its foreign exchange earnings.
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