Parliamentary Secretary for Commerce Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti clarified that the United States has not imposed any punitive tariffs on Pakistani exports, dispelling earlier concerns about potential trade restrictions. He emphasized that Pakistan continues to benefit from one of the lowest tariff rates among regional competitors, including India.
He was responding to a question raised by MNA Tahira Aurangzeb, who had inquired whether Pakistan was expected to suffer a loss of one billion dollars following the imposition of new trade tariffs by the United States, and what steps the government was taking to mitigate the impact, particularly on local industry and manufacturing.
Bhatti clarified that the concern was based on a time when the US tariffs had not yet been finalized. “Thankfully, today the situation has changed. Where once there was a 25% tariff on Indian goods, Pakistan’s direct tariff has now been reduced to one of the lowest in the region,” he said.
He attributed this positive outcome to the collective diplomatic efforts of the Prime Minister, Finance Minister, Minister for Commerce, and the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
He further assured the House that the Ministry of Commerce is actively engaging with chambers of commerce and trade unions to develop support mechanisms for local exporters, including training programs and facilitation channels.
“We already have a trade surplus with the United States worth $3.3 billion, and with the current favorable conditions, Pakistan’s exports are expected to receive a further boost,” he added.
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