Opinion
Record Reserves Are Welcome. The Real Test Is Exports
Bilal Javed on why record reserves of $26.9bn do not settle Pakistan's economic story: the trade gap, the debt and the export target all point to the same test.
Pakistan exports
Pakistan exports: 3 The Indus Compass stories. Latest: Record Reserves Are Welcome. The Real Test Is Exports. Key developments, background and analysis.
3 stories on Pakistan exports since 8 October 2026; the latest was published on 7 November 2026.
Key developments
- Record Reserves Are Welcome. The Real Test Is ExportsTotal reserves hit a record $26.86bn, and the State Bank added about $5bn since the Gulf war began, a real achievement.
- Pakistan must apply afresh for EU GSP+ trade status from January 2027The current GSP+ framework expires in December 2026, and Pakistan will have to apply for the new scheme after January 1, 2027.
- WTO raises trade forecast, names Pakistan among gainers from disruptionThe WTO raised its 2026 trade growth forecast to 3.9pc on an AI boom and said Pakistan's sea freight services exports rose 73pc as shipping was rerouted.
Trade
Pakistan must apply afresh for EU GSP+ trade status from January 2027
Pakistan will have to apply for a new EU GSP+ arrangement after the current scheme expires in December 2026, with a grace period running until the end of 2028.
Trade
WTO raises trade forecast, names Pakistan among gainers from disruption
The WTO raised its 2026 trade growth forecast to 3.9pc on an AI boom and said Pakistan's sea freight services exports rose 73pc as shipping was rerouted.