Banks slash export refinance rates to boost economic growth

February 12, 2026 (MLN): In a major move to support the country’s economic revival, Pakistan’s Banking Sector has yet again stepped up to voluntarily reduce markup rates on the Export Refinance Facility (ERF) by 3.0%.

This collective initiative demonstrates the sector's resolve to prioritise national interest, lowering the cost of doing business for exporters to catalyse foreign exchange earnings, according to the press release of Pakistan Bank Association.

Effective immediately, this reduction brings the end-user rate for exporters under the ERF scheme down to 4.50% for all new loans and rollovers.

The initiative is currently subject to the existing ERF limit of Rs1.05 trillion, though this capacity is designed to be flexible and may increase as and when the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) or EXIM Bank increases the limit through June 2027.

This measure represents a vital public interest intervention, aimed at materially promoting economic progress by lowering financing costs for exporters and strengthening foreign exchange inflows.

Citing the latest industry data, the Pakistan Banks Association (PBA) highlighted that banks are actively deploying liquidity to support economic recovery. In FY25, private sector credit grew by Rs1.1tr, a massive increase compared to Rs470bn in FY24, showing a strong uptick in both working capital and fixed investment loans.

This growth is inclusive, with the sector achieving a 57% surge in the SME borrower base, and the amount extended to SMEs doubling in two years.

Simultaneously, the agriculture sector saw a historic rebound, with the borrower base growing from 2.7m to nearly 3m reversing a sliding trend since 2019 and disbursements reaching a record Rs2.58tr.

Private Sector credit further expanded by Rs654bn (or 6.75%) in the first half of FY26 (Jul-Dec).

This support for Priority Sector Lending persisted despite intense fiscal crowding out, as banks financed a massive Rs1.95tr in government borrowing, proving that the sector remains the primary engine of economic support.

This rate relief is the latest in a series of strategic interventions by the banking industry to stabilise the national economy, including playing critical roles in reducing circular debt and facilitating the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

Moving forward, the PBA vows to remain focused on value addition for the people of Pakistan.

The overarching goal remains twofold: continuing to reward the small investors holding billions of shares in the sector, and expanding financial inclusion to ensure that economic benefits reach every corner of the nation.

Mr Zafar Masud, Chairman PBA, stated: "This initiative is not just about numbers; it is about the Banking Sector answering the call of the nation. We recognise that export growth is critical for Pakistan’s economic stability.

By providing capital at a highly competitive 4.50%, the sector is proving that it stands firmly behind the State and our exporters.

The data speaks for itself: with a Rs654bn expansion in private-sector credit and historic highs in Agricultural disbursements, we are ensuring that the wheels of the economy keep turning.

From supporting the PIA privatisation to managing circular debt, the banking industry remains fully committed to driving Pakistan’s prosperity."

The Pakistan Banks Association expresses its sincere gratitude to the State Bank of Pakistan and the Federal Government for their continued support and guidance in facilitating these voluntary relief measures.

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