KARACHI: President of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Muhammad Ikram Rajput, has raised alarm over the country’s expanding trade deficit, urging immediate government intervention to address the worsening economic situation.

The trade deficit reached $3.34 billion in September 2025, marking a 46 percent increase compared to the previous year. Rajput highlighted that while exports fell by 11.7 percent to $2.5 billion, imports surged by 14 percent to $5.85 billion, exerting pressure on the national economy.

Rajput pointed out the challenges facing industrialists, particularly the rising cost of production driven by increasing electricity tariffs. He noted that these factors are hindering the competitiveness of Pakistani products in international markets.

To counter these challenges, Rajput called for a reduction in the policy interest rate to lower business costs and stimulate industrial activity. He also advocated for urgent consultations among the government, traders, and industrialists to develop a comprehensive strategy for economic stabilization.

“The growing trade deficit has now become a national issue,” Rajput warned. He stressed the importance of boosting exports through sustainable measures to restore investor confidence and strengthen the economic foundation of the country.