Islamabad: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked Pakistan to explain the discrepancy in trade data of about $11 billion in two years. According to sources, the second half-year economic review talks between the IMF and Pakistan are underway, where the IMF has sought an explanation for the discrepancy in trade data of about $11 billion in two years. Sources said that a discrepancy of $5.1 billion was seen in the import data of Pakistan Automation System, Single Window for 2023-24 and this discrepancy has further increased to $5.7 billion in the data for the financial year 2024-25. The IMF has stressed the need to correct old trade data and share it publicly. According to sources, the IMF was briefed that the data system of the Bureau of Statistics has not been updated since 2017, due to which the reporting of foreign imports appeared low. The briefing stated that the largest difference was $3 billion in the textile sector and $1 billion in metals. Data corrections could affect economic growth and exports.
IMF seeks explanation for $11 billion difference in trade data
Published: October 5, 2025 | Updated 2 weeks ago
Islamabad: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked Pakistan to explain the discrepancy in trade data of about $11 billion in two years. According to sources, the second half-year economic review talks between the IMF and Pakistan are underway, where the IMF has sought an explanation for the discrepancy in trade data of about $11 billion in two years. Sources said that a discrepancy of $5.1 billion was seen in the import data of Pakistan Automation System, Single Window for 2023-24 and this discrepancy has further increased to $5.7 billion in the data for the financial year 2024-25. The IMF has stressed the need to correct old trade data and share it publicly. According to sources, the IMF was briefed that the data system of the Bureau of Statistics has not been updated since 2017, due to which the reporting of foreign imports appeared low. The briefing stated that the largest difference was $3 billion in the textile sector and $1 billion in metals. Data corrections could affect economic growth and exports.