Pakistan saw a rise in imports during the fiscal year 2025-26. Total imports handled at Port Qasim grew by 2.51 million tonnes, reaching 38.09 million tonnes compared to 35.59 million tonnes in the previous year. This growth was mainly driven by dry bulk goods like coal, soybean seeds, and steel, even as energy imports fell.
Dry cargo played the biggest role. It increased by 5.33 million tonnes to 15.52 million tonnes. Industries needed more raw materials to keep production going. On the other hand, liquid cargo dropped by 2.68 million tonnes to 15.25 million tonnes, and container cargo also saw a small decline.
Major Import Changes (in tonnes)
| Commodity | FY2025-26 | Previous Year | Change |
| Total Imports | 38.09 million | 35.59 million | +2.51 million |
| Coal | 10.95 million | – | +3.93 million |
| Soybean Seeds | 2.44 million | 1.28 million | +1.16 million |
| Steel Coils | 729,945 | 390,870 | +339,075 |
| Steel Billets | 55,801 | – | More than tripled |
| LNG | 4.97 million | – | -2.13 million |
| Motor Gasoline | 4.03 million | – | +393,947 |
Coal was the top driver, with imports jumping to 10.95 million tonnes. Soybean seeds nearly doubled due to higher demand from cooking oil and animal feed industries. Steel products also grew strongly as construction and manufacturing picked up. Coke imports more than doubled, and project cargo (machinery) increased a lot.
Some items saw lower imports. Wheat, fertiliser, palm oil, and canola seeds declined. LNG and gas oil dropped because of changes in energy needs. Container handling also fell slightly to 493,215 TEUs.
This shift shows Pakistan’s growing industrial demand for raw materials while trying to manage energy costs. Stronger coal and steel imports point to activity in power and construction sectors. Experts say continued monitoring of import trends will be important for managing the trade balance and supporting local industries.