Timely Insights and Key Industry Changes
Hi, it’s Faiz from Maalbardaar.
After last week’s focus on diesel relief, Hormuz risk, LNG movement, and PSW updates, Week 40 brings a different picture.
Pakistan’s exports improved in September, but imports also increased and the trade deficit widened.
Fuel costs remain high, Hormuz cargo movement has improved, but security and shipping risks remain active.
At the same time, Pakistan is moving further toward digital customs and easier port-related business services.
For importers and exporters, the message is simple:
Trade is moving, but cost and shipping risk still need close attention.
1. Pakistan’s Trade Deficit Reaches $3.56 Billion in September
Pakistan recorded a $3.56 billion trade deficit in September 2026, according to Business Recorder.
This was more than 6% higher year-on-year.
Exports increased to $2.94 billion, up 17.6%, but imports also increased to $6.49 billion, up more than 11%.
During the first three months of FY27, Pakistan’s trade deficit reached $10.79 billion, up more than 15% from the same period last year.
For importers, this means demand for foreign currency and imported goods remains strong.
For exporters, the positive side is that exports are also growing.
Businesses should continue checking exchange rates, payment timing, freight, and final landed cost.
2. Diesel Stays Near Rs400 Per Litre
Fuel prices continue to change frequently.
According to Pakistan State Oil’s fuel price archive, effective October 3:
- Petrol stood at Rs392.76 per litre
- High-speed diesel stood at Rs399.64 per litre
Diesel has come down from the much higher levels seen earlier, but around Rs400 per litre is still expensive for logistics.
Diesel directly affects:
- Trucking rates
- Container movement
- Port-to-warehouse delivery
- Long-distance transport
- Final landed cost
Importers should continue confirming inland freight before finalising shipment pricing.
3. Hormuz Cargo Movement Improves, but Security Risk Remains
There has been some improvement in cargo movement through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Reuters, LNG shipments through Hormuz reached their highest monthly level since the regional conflict began.
Reuters also reported that Middle East crude exports moved above pre-war levels on several days during the final week of September.
But the risk is not over.
Recent vessel attacks and security incidents around the Strait mean shipping lines still face higher insurance, freight, and operational risks.
For Pakistani businesses, the situation is mixed:
More cargo is moving, but vessel schedules and freight costs can still change quickly.
Businesses shipping through the Gulf should continue tracking actual vessel movement instead of relying only on the original ETA.
4. PSW Adds Digital Document Verification With Hong Kong Customs
Pakistan has taken another step toward digital trade.
Pakistan Single Window has operationalised integration with ValidAP, a blockchain-based digital document verification platform developed by Hong Kong Customs.
The system allows the authenticity and integrity of electronic trade documents issued through PSW to be verified digitally.
This includes documents such as export permits and sanitary and phytosanitary certificates.
The integration can help:
- Reduce manual document verification
- Reduce reliance on paper documents
- Speed up document validation
- Improve trust in electronic trade documents
- Support faster cargo clearance
For importers and exporters, this is another move toward a more digital customs system in Pakistan.
5. Karachi Could Get a One-Door Port Facilitation Centre
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs is also pushing work on a new one-door facilitation centre in Karachi.
According to the Press Information Department, the proposed centre would provide port-related business services under one roof.
The aim is to make it easier for businesses to access government services related to port trade without dealing with multiple offices separately.
For importers, exporters, shipping companies, and freight forwarders, this could simplify port-related processes if implemented properly.
6. Port Qasim Remains Import-Heavy
Port Qasim continued to handle significant cargo movement.
According to Business Recorder, the port handled 120,931 tonnes of cargo during a recent 24-hour period.
This included:
- 92,929 tonnes of imports
- 28,002 tonnes of exports
- 2,132 containers
Import-heavy port activity means businesses should prepare customs documents, transport, payments, and warehouse arrangements before cargo arrives.
What This Means for Importers and Exporters
Week 40 shows that Pakistan’s trade activity remains strong, but costs and risks are still changing quickly.
Businesses should focus on:
- Rechecking freight before booking
- Confirming inland transport costs
- Reviewing final landed cost
- Preparing customs documents early
- Tracking Gulf shipments closely
- Keeping buffer time in delivery schedules
- Watching fuel price changes
The key lesson is simple:
More cargo is moving, but good planning still matters more than relying on the original freight rate or ETA.
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