Pakistan Trade & Commerce Guide — 2026

Pakistan is a strategically located economy of 240+ million people with a growing middle class, a strong manufacturing base in textiles and agriculture, and increasing integration into global trade through CPEC and bilateral agreements. This guide covers trade opportunities, key sectors, and how to do business with Pakistan.

Pakistan Economy Snapshot 2026

GDP: ~$375 billion | Population: 245 million | Currency: Pakistani Rupee (PKR) | Key Exports: Textiles ($20B+), rice, sports goods, surgical instruments, IT services | Major Trading Partners: China, US, UAE, UK, Germany, Saudi Arabia

Major Export Sectors

Textiles & Apparel

Pakistan's largest export sector, contributing over 60% of total exports. Includes raw cotton, yarn, fabrics, readymade garments, knitwear, bedding, and towels.

$20+ billion

IT & Software Services

One of the fastest-growing sectors. Pakistan has 800,000+ IT workers and is a top freelancing nation. IT exports exceed $3 billion annually and growing 30%+ year-on-year.

$3+ billion

Rice & Agriculture

Pakistan is the world's 4th largest rice exporter. Basmati rice is a premium product. Other agricultural exports include fruits (mangoes, citrus), vegetables, and spices.

$3+ billion

Sports Goods

Sialkot is the world's largest producer of hand-stitched footballs, as well as cricket bats, boxing gloves, and martial arts equipment. Major brands source from Pakistan.

$1+ billion

Surgical Instruments

Sialkot produces 15-20% of the world's surgical instruments. Over 3,000 manufacturers export to hospitals and distributors in the US, EU, and Middle East.

$500+ million

Leather & Footwear

Pakistan is a major leather producer and exporter. Products include leather garments, gloves, footwear, and accessories. Key clusters in Karachi, Sialkot, and Lahore.

$1+ billion

Trade Agreements & Partnerships

Agreement	Partner(s)	Key Benefits
CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor)	China	$62B+ infrastructure investment, SEZs, energy projects, Gwadar port
GSP+	European Union	Duty-free or reduced tariff access for Pakistani exports to EU
SAFTA	South Asian nations	Reduced tariffs within South Asia
Pakistan-China FTA	China	Zero or reduced duties on thousands of product lines
Pakistan-Malaysia FTA	Malaysia	Preferential access for palm oil, rubber, electronics
ECO Trade Agreement (ECOTA)	ECO member states	Reduced tariffs among 10 ECO nations

How to Do Business with Pakistan

Steps for Foreign Companies

Market Research: Identify your sector and target market. The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) provides market intelligence and connects foreign buyers with Pakistani exporters.
Find Partners: Use TDAP, FPCCI (Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce), or Pakistan embassy trade sections to find vetted suppliers, agents, or joint venture partners.
Visit Trade Fairs: Pakistan hosts major trade exhibitions including TEXPO (textiles), ITCN Asia (IT), Pakistan Auto Show, and the Lahore International Expo. TDAP organises single-country exhibitions.
Legal Structure: Foreign companies can register a branch office, liaison office, or incorporate a Pakistani subsidiary through SECP (Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan).
Banking: Open a foreign currency account or Roshan Digital Account for non-resident Pakistanis and foreign investors. Major banks: HBL, UBL, MCB, Allied Bank.
Incentives: Pakistan offers SEZ (Special Economic Zone) tax holidays, export processing zone benefits, and Board of Investment (BOI) facilitation for qualifying investments.

Key Trade Bodies & Resources

Organisation	Role	Website
Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP)	Export promotion, trade fairs, buyer-seller matching	tdap.gov.pk
Board of Investment (BOI)	Foreign investment facilitation, incentives, one-stop shop	invest.gov.pk
FPCCI	Federation of Chambers of Commerce — business advocacy	fpcci.org.pk
SECP	Company registration, corporate regulation	secp.gov.pk
State Bank of Pakistan (SBP)	Monetary policy, foreign exchange regulations	sbp.org.pk
Pakistan Customs	Import/export procedures, tariffs, HS codes	customs.gov.pk

Trade Quick Facts

Exports: ~$30 billion/year
Imports: ~$55 billion/year
Labour force: 75+ million
Top buyer: United States
Top supplier: China

For Exporters

Pakistan embassy trade sections can help connect you with verified suppliers and manufacturers. Contact the commercial attaché at your nearest Pakistan embassy for introductions, trade leads, and support with import/export documentation.