Exports fall 12.5pc as demand dips in August

Pakistan’s merchandise exports slipped back into negative territory in August, fuelling concerns among policymakers over weakening international demand and the country’s eroding competitiveness in global markets. This marks the fourth contraction in the last five months, with July offering only a brief respite through marginal growth. The persistent decline reflects mounting pressure on the country’s trade performance as exporters face subdued external demand and a high cost of doing business. According to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) on Tuesday, exports fell by 12.49pc year-on-year to $2.42 billion in August, down from $2.76bn in the same month last year. On a month-on-month basis, export proceeds declined by 9.98pc.