Islamabad: Pakistan exporters are ready to obtain a significant competitive advantage in the US market after the government successfully negotiated a reduction in reciprocal rates, from 29pc to 19 percent, the lowest rate in the region.
An official statement issued by the Ministry of Commerce on Tuesday indicated that the reduced rate will create new opportunities for Pakistani exporters to expand their footprint in the United States. The development was discussed during a high -level meeting on the reciprocal rates of the United States, chaired by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan.
The Meeting was Attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Industries and Production Haroon Akhtar Khan, Coordinator to The Prime Minister on Commerce Rana Ihsaan Afzal, Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul, Senior Officials From The Commerce and Industries Divisions, and More than 30 Leading Exports and Smes Key Sectors Including Apparel, Textiles, Rice, Salt, Surgical Instruments, Sports Goods, Electronics, Food and Agriculture and Leather.
The Minister of Commerce, Jam Kamal, said that the revised tariff structure presents a timely opportunity to boost exports and appreciate the coordinated efforts of the government’s economic team, together with the support of the private sector, to achieve this milestone.
Islamabad ensures the lowest tariffs among regional competitors
The special assistant Haroon Akhtar highlighted Pakistan’s comparative advantage in the region and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to support the industry’s interested parties to unlock commercial potential in evolving global conditions.
Industry representatives requested consistent and friendly policies with the industry to optimize manufacturing costs and safe access to critical supplies. They urged the government to adopt a predictable political environment that facilitates long -term planning and growth.
The Minister of Commerce Jam reiterated the government approach in export -led growth, emphasizing immediate strategic measures and long term. He assured exporters that his recommendations would be compiled and presented to the Prime Minister for new actions.
It was decided to actively pursue the expansion of Pakistan’s export footprint in the United States, turning the reduction of the current rate into a sustained national advantage for broader socioeconomic development.
Separately, the coordinator of the Prime Minister of Commerce IHSAAN AFZAL held a meeting with representatives of Octans Digital PVT LTD, a subsidiary of Interloop Holdings, to discuss the sustainability and waste management in the textile industry of Pakistan.
Posted in Dawn, August 13, 2025
