News

Exports to central Asian states fall 17pc in July-Dec

Pakistan’s exports to five central Asian countries (CACs) contracted 17 per cent during the first half of 2024-25. The country’s exports to the region have yet to attain their full potential. Similarly, imports from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to Pakistan have increased significantly despite regular high-profile visits to balance the trade deficit. In absolute terms, the value of P

Multiple MoUs likely during Erdogan’s visit

Pakistan and Turkiye are expected to sign multiple memoranda of understanding to expand economic cooperation, including the agriculture sector, during the upcoming visit of President Tayyip Erdogan to Pakistan. Senior officials of the ministries of national food security and agriculture of Pakistan and Turkiye held a meeting on Wednesday to design an action plan for future collaborations in the

Gold scales new peak, nears Rs300,000 per tola

The price of one tola of gold reached closer to Rs300,000 on the back of all-time high international prices due to the looming uncertainty over the US trade war with China, Mexico, and Canada and its impact on various countries. Data released by the All Pakistan Sarafa Gem and Jewellers Association on Wednesday stated that the 10-gramme and one-tola rates (24kt) climbed to new all-time high pea

US trade gap swells as Trump renews scrutiny of deficits

The US trade deficit widened sharply in December as imports surged to a record high against the backdrop of tariff threats, which might have prompted businesses to rush purchases of foreign-made goods like finished metals and computers. The report from the Commerce Department on Wednesday showed the United States experienced significant deficits with several trade partners, including China, Mex

Review of GSP+ status stokes fear in industry

Already hard-pressed by the imposition of an 18 per cent sales tax, the local cotton industry is panicky about reports of a review of GSP+ status by the European Union. The status was granted by the European Union in 2014, which led to a 108pc hike in Pakistani textile exports to the EU due to concessional tariffs. In October 2023, the European Parliament unanimously voted to extend the GSP+