Timely Insights and Key Industry Changes

Hi, it’s Faiz from Maalbardaar!

This week’s supply chain brief covers verified developments impacting exporters, importers, freight planners, and logistics operators, from export financing relief and foreign reserves movement to regional trade diplomacy and macro stability indicators.

Pakistan’s trade and logistics environment continued to shift in Week 7 of 2026, with important developments in export financing, foreign reserves, regional trade cooperation, and inflation stability.

These verified updates directly impact exporters, importers, freight forwarders, and logistics operators planning Q1 and Q2 shipments.

1. Pakistan & Iran Intensify Economic Cooperation

Pakistan and Iran have reaffirmed efforts to expand bilateral trade and economic cooperation, with renewed focus on border trade, transport connectivity, and commercial engagement.

Discussions emphasized:

• Facilitating smoother cross-border trade flows

• Improving transport linkages

• Reducing operational barriers for businesses operating across the shared border

Why This Matters for Logistics

• Potential increase in cross-border cargo movement

• Rising activity along western trade corridors

• Early capacity planning opportunities for regional logistics operators

Strengthened Iran–Pakistan trade ties could gradually diversify Pakistan’s inbound and outbound freight flows, particularly for land-based trade routes.

2. Export Refinance Rate Reduced to 4.5%

Pakistani banks reduced the Export Refinance Facility (ERF) rate by 3%, bringing export financing down to 4.5%.

This move directly lowers borrowing costs for exporters and signals policy-level support for outbound trade expansion.

Supply Chain Impact

• Reduced working capital pressure

• Increased export production potential

• Higher likelihood of shipment volume growth in upcoming quarters

• Improved liquidity for trade businesses

Historically, export financing relief translates into stronger container demand and higher freight movement in subsequent months.

3. SBP Foreign Exchange Reserves Increase by $21 Million

The State Bank of Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves increased by $21 million this week.

While modest, sustained reserve improvement strengthens currency positioning and external balance confidence.

Implications for Importers & Freight Planning

• Reduced short-term exchange rate volatility

• Improved predictability in import payments

• Greater confidence for forward freight bookings

Incremental reserve stability helps reduce sudden shocks in trade-related payments and freight contracts.

4. Inflation Eases to 5.8%

Pakistan’s headline inflation eased to 5.8% year-on-year in January, indicating relative price stability compared to earlier volatility phases.

Why This Matters for Supply Chains

• Improved cost predictability

• Better financial planning for importers

• More stable fuel and operational expense outlook

• Improved margin planning for trade businesses

Lower inflation supports domestic logistics stability and reduces uncertainty in pricing decisions.

5. Trade Deficit Narrows by Nearly 29%

Pakistan’s trade deficit narrowed by approximately 28–29% compared to December, supported by stronger exports and moderated imports.

Logistics & Freight Impact

• Reduced currency pressure

• More balanced container flows

• Improved cross-border trade momentum

• Greater macro stability signals

When exports strengthen and macro pressure eases, freight demand tends to stabilize across sea, air, and land corridors.

What This Means for Importers and Exporters

Week 7 reflects improving macro signals:

• Export policy support through lower financing rates

• Gradual external stability

• Regional trade diversification

• Strengthening export performance

However, operational realities remain unchanged:

• Port congestion risks

• Booking pressure

• Documentation coordination gaps

• Customs delays

Proactive planning remains essential.

Managing Supply Chain Volatility in 2026

In a market where financing rates, reserves, inflation, and regional trade ties shift weekly, visibility becomes critical.

Maalbardaar enables trade businesses to maintain control with:

• Real-time shipment tracking

• Instant freight rate visibility

• Customs and delay alerts

• Digital document management

• Route and port comparison tools

When macro conditions shift, control and information protect margins.

Take Control of Your 2026 Supply Chain

Do not let delays, booking pressure, or rising operational costs define your year.

Log in today and manage your shipments with clarity, predictability, and control.

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