Service sector posts trade deficit of $228m in July

August 18, 2026 (MLN): The service sector of Pakistan posted a trade deficit of $228 million in July, reflecting an increase of 2.75x (175%) MoM, as compared to a deficit of $83m recorded in the previous month, the latest data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) showed.

Comparison on a yearly basis shows that the country reported a deficit of $304m in trade of services in the Same Period Last Year (SPLY).

Details made available by SBP further revealed that the exports of services in July went up by 27.34% YoY to $927m compared to $728m in July 2025.

Conversely, on a month-wise basis, exports dropped by 1.59% MoM compared to the figures for June 2026.

Amongst the total exports in the review month, Telecommunications, Computer, and Information Services made the largest contribution with an amount of $417m in July, witnessing an increase of 17.8% YoY compared to exports in SPLY.

Meanwhile, Other Business Services held the second position, bringing $218m in July into the country.

In terms of growth, receipts from the exports of this section went up by 46.31% YoY compared to $149m in the same period last year. On a sequential basis, other business services dropped by 1.36% MoM compared to exports of $221m in June 2026.

Furthermore, the export of transport and travel services contributed an amount of $75m and $112m, respectively, in the review period.

The imports of services during the month amounted to $1.155bn, which rose by 11.92% YoY compared to imports worth $1.032bn in SPLY.

On a monthly basis, imports have increased compared to $1.025bn recorded in the previous month.

Amongst the total imports, the largest expenditure was incurred on Transport for an amount of $438m, witnessing a decrease of 3.74% YoY but an increase of 4.04% MoM.

The Travel services cost the country around $291m, recording an increase of 18.78% YoY and a sharp increase of 69.19% MoM.

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