Pakistan's services sector deficit clocks in at $1.9bn in FY26

July 17, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan's services sector recorded a cumulative trade deficit of $1.891bn in FY26, as imports of services grew at a faster clip than exports during the year, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).

The country's services trade balance, however, turned positive on a monthly basis, posting a surplus of $25m in June, though this reflected a decline of 53.7% MoM against a surplus of $54m recorded in May. On a yearly basis, the June figure marked a turnaround from a deficit of $204m in the same period last year (SPLY).

Details made available by SBP further revealed that the exports of services in June went up by 36.96% YoY to $956m compared to $698m in June 2025. Similarly, on a month-wise basis, exports rose by 14.08% MoM compared to the figures for May 2026.

Cumulatively in FY26, services exports climbed by 18.75% YoY to $10.034bn compared to exports of $8.45bn in FY25.

Amongst the total exports in the review month, Telecommunications, Computer, and Information Services made the largest contribution with an amount of $416m in June, witnessing an increase of 22.71% YoY compared to exports in SPLY.

Meanwhile, Other Business Services held the second position, bringing $220m in June into the country. In terms of growth, receipts from the exports of this section went up by 62.96% YoY compared to $135m in the same period last year. On a sequential basis, other business services surged by 26.44% MoM compared to exports of $174m in May 2026.

Furthermore, the export of transport and travel services contributed an amount of $87m and $128m, respectively, in the review period.

The imports of services during the month amounted to $931m, which rose by 3.22% YoY compared to imports worth $902m in SPLY. On a monthly basis, imports have increased compared to $784m recorded in the previous month.

Going forward, the imports during FY26 stood at $11.925bn, up by 5.66% YoY compared with the number during FY25.

Amongst the total imports, the largest expenditure was incurred on Transport for an amount of $385m, witnessing an increase of 35.94% YoY and 10.13% MoM. The Travel services cost the country around $172m, recording an increase of 146.15% YoY and 11.3% MoM.

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