Pakistan Supply Chain Update — Week 32 of 2026 (10th August 2026)
Timely Insights and Key Industry Changes
Hi, it’s Faiz from Maalbardaar.
After last week’s focus on inflation, fuel prices, RLNG pressure, and Karachi Port activity, this week’s update is more operational.
The biggest story is not just that Pakistan’s trade deficit increased in July.
The real story is what is happening underneath the number.
Exports improved strongly in July, but imports stayed high because energy, machinery, cars, and industrial demand kept pressure on the import bill.
At the same time, importers and clearing agents now need to adjust to a new payment process for Karachi Collectorates through PSW, while the revised Cargo Declaration-IGM requirement is coming into effect from August 15.
Fuel prices have eased slightly, but diesel is still high enough to affect inland freight.
Ports are active, but the latest port movement is import-heavy, which means customs, payments, and transport coordination matter even more.
The Current Situation: July Trade Looks Better, but Import Pressure Is Still Real
Pakistan’s trade deficit widened by more than 25% year-on-year to $3.95 billion in July 2026, according to Business Recorder’s report based on PBS data.
Exports increased to $2.94 billion in July 2026, up 9.54% from July 2025 and up 31% month-on-month from June 2026.
That is a strong export rebound.
But imports still remained high at $6.89 billion in July 2026, up almost 18% year-on-year.
This means the problem is not only weak exports.
The bigger issue is that Pakistan’s import bill is still heavy.
Energy prices, RLNG, machinery, cars, and industrial demand are keeping import payments elevated.
Specific Insight:
July’s export improvement is encouraging, especially because food exports, mainly rice, appear to have supported the rebound.
Key Updates:
1. July Trade Deficit Widens, Even With Strong Export Growth
The July trade numbers are mixed.
According to Business Recorder, Pakistan’s July 2026 trade deficit reached $3.95 billion, compared to $3.15 billion in July 2025.
Imports rose to $6.89 billion, while exports rose to $2.94 billion.
2. PSW Payment Change Starts for Karachi Collectorates
A very practical update came through Pakistan Single Window.
According to Pakistan Single Window, from 3 August 2026, the payment mechanism for Goods Declarations related to Karachi Collectorates has been revised.
Payments of duties, taxes, and fees now need to be made by selecting 1Link’s “1Bill – Invoice” option instead of the “FBR” biller.
3. Revised Cargo Declaration-IGM Starts from August 15
Another important customs update is coming next week.
According to Business Recorder, FBR’s revised incoming Cargo Declaration-IGM will apply from 15 August 2026 for all seaports and border customs stations.
The report says the revised requirement includes importer identification details such as NTN, FTN, or CNIC/Passport number where applicable.
The notification will not apply to IGMs filed at airports.
4. Karachi Port and Port Qasim Movement Is Import-Heavy
Port activity stayed strong, but the latest numbers show a clear import-heavy pattern.
According to Business Recorder, Karachi Port Trust handled 162,359 tonnes of cargo in a 24-hour period ending August 5.
Out of this, import cargo was 126,710 tonnes, while export cargo was 35,649 tonnes.
Port Qasim handled 205,080 tonnes during the same period, including 164,280 tonnes of import cargo and 40,800 tonnes of export cargo.
5. July Remittances Give External Support
Pakistan received $3.631 billion in workers’ remittances in July 2026, according to SBP data.
This was up 4.5% month-on-month and 13% year-on-year.
Saudi Arabia remained the largest source with $914 million, followed by the UAE at $737 million and the UK at $555 million.
6. Refinery Investment Could Matter Later, Not Immediately
There was also a long-term energy development this week.
According to Business Recorder, the petroleum minister said Pakistan expects companies to begin signing around $5 billion in refinery modernisation contracts from September.
The goal is to move beyond old hydro-skimming refineries and support deeper conversion facilities.
What This Means for Importers and Exporters
Week 32 is not about one big headline.
It is about several operational changes happening at the same time.
Exports improved in July, but import pressure remains strong.
Ports are active, but the latest movement is import-heavy.
PSW payment changes are already in effect for Karachi Collectorates.
The revised Cargo Declaration-IGM starts from August 15.
The key lesson is simple:
The businesses that prepare before cargo arrives will move faster than the ones that wait for problems at clearance.
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