Pakistan’s exports to Gulf countries fell sharply during the US-Iran conflict, dropping 32.3% between March and June 2026 compared with the same period last year, according to official documents reported on November 12.
What happened?
Shipments to Gulf markets dropped to $663.7 million during March–June 2026, down from $980.6 million in the same months of 2025. The documents show the decline continued into the second half of the year, with exports to the Gulf falling 6.4% during July–October 2026 compared with the corresponding period last year.
Key details
- Exports to Gulf countries fell 32.3% in March–June 2026, from $980.6 million to $663.7 million.
- The United Arab Emirates recorded the steepest decline among individual markets, with exports falling 42.7% between March and June 2026.
- Exports to Saudi Arabia declined by 1.7% during the same period, while shipments to Oman fell 25.1%.
- The downward trend continued in July–October 2026, when exports to Gulf countries registered a 6.4% decline compared with the same period last year.
- Regional tensions disrupted sea and air transport routes and pushed up shipping and logistics costs, according to earlier reporting on the trade impact.
What it means for people in Pakistan
The Gulf is one of Pakistan’s most important export markets, and a sustained drop in shipments affects exporters, manufacturers and the workers who depend on them. The figures underline how quickly regional instability can reach Pakistani businesses, even when the disruption happens far from home. For exporters, the priority now is holding on to Gulf buyers and finding steadier routes and markets until trade flows recover.
Source: The Express Tribune
