Imports dip 8% MoM in February, transport, food lead gains

March 13, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan's total import bill for February 2026 stood at $5.32bn (Rs1.49 trillion), barely changed from a year ago down just 0.41% year-on-year but significantly lower than January 2026's $5.80bn, a month-on-month drop of 8.39%, according to the latest data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS).

The figures suggest a stabilising external trade account, even as several key commodity groups continue to face pressure.

The steepest year-on-year decline came from the Petroleum Group, which fell 21.25% to $982.9m. Refined petroleum product imports dropped 39.27% year-on-year to $284m as domestic demand moderated, while liquified natural gas (LNG) purchases contracted 25.52% to $189m showing tighter procurement scheduling.

Crude oil imports, however, edged up 8.19% month-on-month to $423.1m, suggesting refineries maintained throughput despite the overall group decline.

The Food Group was the standout performer, rising 13.58% year-on-year to $908.1m. Tea imports surged 33.78% to $61.4m, while palm oil Pakistan's most critical edible oil import grew 5.28% to $385.6m.

Soyabean oil recorded a dramatic 85.8% month-on-month rebound to $11.4m, though it remains 69% below February 2025 levels.

Pulses (leguminous vegetables) declined 25.51% year-on-year to $71.4m, while imports of milk, cream & infant food fell 7.35% to $10.5m.

Machinery imports totalled $870.8m up 4.31% year-on-year but 8.72% lower than January 2026. Telecom equipment remained a key driver, with total imports at $211.5m (+21.12% YoY), led by mobile phone imports of $155.5m (+17.95% YoY).

Agricultural machinery & implements rose sharply up 74.81% year-on-year to $14m pointing to renewed farm mechanisation.

Electrical machinery, in contrast, declined 40.06% year-on-year to $184.2m, suggesting a slowdown in power infrastructure outlays. Power generating machinery also fell 8.71% year-on-year to $68.1m.

The Transport Group posted the biggest annual growth, climbing 48.76% year-on-year to $299m. CBU (Completely Built Unit) vehicle imports rose 80.27% year-on-year to $56.3m, with buses, trucks and heavy vehicles nearly tripling to $20.1m a strong signal for the logistics and construction sectors.

CKD/SKD motor car imports expanded 68.46% year-on-year to $157.1m as auto assemblers ramped up production.

Motorcycle imports in both CBU and CKD categories also recorded double-digit year-on-year growth, reflecting a broader consumer recovery.

Textile Group imports fell 25.39% year-on-year and 13.55% month-on-month to $500.4m, continuing a persistent decline.

Raw cotton imports collapsed 59.16% year-on-year to $108.6m as domestic production partially recovered and global cotton prices softened.

Synthetic fibre declined 10.55% year-on-year to $53.7m, while worn clothing imports bucked the trend, rising 10.4% year-on-year to $43.9m.

Industry observers note the declining raw material imports could squeeze export capacity if domestic production does not fill the gap.

The Agricultural & Chemicals Group grew 12.08% year-on-year to $795.5m, driven by a 119.32% year-on-year surge in fertiliser imports to $26.9m ahead of the Kharif sowing season.

Plastic material imports rose 29.01% year-on-year to $254.3m, consistent with expanding domestic manufacturing.

Medicinal product imports grew 21.88% year-on-year to $93.7m, showing continued healthcare sector demand.

Metal Group imports reached $521.9m, up 3.92% year-on-year despite a sharp 19.11% monthly decline. Iron and steel imports rose 10.89% year-on-year to $231.2m, supported by ongoing construction activity, while aluminium imports grew 48.13% year-on-year.