Major Exports and Imports

2026 Syllabus Objectives

By the end of this topic, you should be able to:

  1. Name the main exports and imports
  2. Describe the changes in the types/amounts/value of goods exported and imported in recent years
  3. Know and understand the meaning of GNP and GDP and the difference between them
  4. Explain the effect of changing trends in exports and imports on Pakistan's balance of trade and economy

What is Trade?

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Trade means the exchange of goods and services between people or countries. There are two main types:

  • Domestic trade: Trade that happens inside Pakistan (for example, selling wheat from Punjab to Sindh)
  • International trade: Trade that happens between Pakistan and other countries (for example, selling cotton to China or buying machinery from Japan)

International trade is very important because it allows countries to sell what they produce best and buy what they need from others. This helps countries earn money (called foreign exchange) and get products they cannot make themselves.

1. Main Exports from Pakistan

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Exports are goods and services that Pakistan sells to other countries. When we export, foreign money (foreign exchange) comes into Pakistan, which is good for our economy.

Pakistan's Main Export Items

Textile Products (the biggest export):

  • Raw cotton
  • Cotton yarn (thread)
  • Cotton cloth/fabric
  • Ready-made garments (clothes)
  • Synthetic textiles

Agricultural Products:

  • Rice (especially Basmati rice)
  • Cereals and cereal preparations

Other Important Exports:

  • Leather and leather goods
  • Sports goods (especially from Sialkot - footballs, cricket bats, hockey sticks)
  • Surgical instruments and medical equipment
  • Carpets and rugs
  • Fish and fish products

Main Export Partners (Countries We Sell To)

  • USA: Carpets, rugs, surgical goods, sports goods, textiles
  • China: Cotton yarn
  • UK: Raw cotton, textiles
  • Germany: Textiles
  • Middle East countries (Saudi Arabia, UAE): Spices, rice, ready-made garments
  • Japan: Fish and fish products
  • Eastern Europe: Cotton cloth

2. Main Imports to Pakistan

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Imports are goods and services that Pakistan buys from other countries. When we import, foreign money (foreign exchange) leaves Pakistan to pay other countries.

Pakistan's Main Import Items

Machinery and Equipment:

  • Industrial machinery
  • Electrical appliances
  • Telecommunication equipment
  • Transport equipment

Energy/Fuel:

  • Mineral oil/petroleum products
  • Petrol and related products
  • Coal and coke

Raw Materials:

  • Chemicals and fertilizers
  • Iron and steel
  • Crude materials (raw materials for factories)

Food Items:

  • Edible oils (cooking oils from Malaysia)
  • Wheat (from USA)
  • Tea (from Sri Lanka)

Vehicles:

  • Road vehicles and transport equipment

Main Import Partners (Countries We Buy From)

  • China: Machinery, electrical appliances, stationery
  • UAE: Petroleum, various goods
  • Saudi Arabia: Mineral oil
  • USA: Machinery, vegetable oil, wheat
  • Japan: Machinery, electrical appliances
  • UK: Machinery, electrical appliances
  • Malaysia: Edible oil
  • Sri Lanka: Tea

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