MoC races to protect $5.5B exports after shock US move
ISLAMABAD: In a bold response to President Donald Trump’s unexpected tariff hike, Pakistan is stepping up efforts to shield its exports — especially the crucial textile sector — from a steep 29% US duty.
The Ministry of Commerce (MoC) is now in high gear, scrambling to craft a counter-strategy after Washington slapped new tariffs on 60 countries, including Pakistan. With over $5.5 billion in annual exports to the US at stake, the federal government has decided to initiate talks with the Trump administration to seek relief.
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan led an emergency meeting in Islamabad over the weekend, bringing together more than 50 top exporters and industry leaders to brainstorm damage control. Sectors represented included textiles, leather, garments, surgical tools, rice, fruits, footwear, and more.
“The Ministry is fully engaged and committed to a win-win outcome,” Minister Khan said. “We’re activating all channels — from trade officers to diplomatic missions — to get Pakistan’s message across in Washington.”
Sources revealed that the MoC is weighing potential trade incentives and tariff concessions it could offer in return. Officials are also analyzing how to turn the tables by capturing more of the US market from competitors facing even higher tariffs.
Caught off guard by the tariff announcement, Pakistani officials were surprised by their inclusion, especially since Pakistan ranks 33rd among countries running a trade deficit with the US — and already maintains lower average tariffs.
To lead the charge, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a high-powered steering committee, headed by Finance Minister Mohammad Aurangzeb, to coordinate Pakistan’s response.
The Trump administration says the tariffs aim to promote American-made goods and correct trade imbalances, but in Pakistan, they’ve triggered serious alarm — particularly for the textile industry, which forms the backbone of Pakistan’s US exports.
Still, amid the challenge, business leaders are rallying behind the government’s swift response. “It’s encouraging to see the private sector being taken into full confidence,” said one leading exporter. “This kind of coordination gives us hope.”
The road ahead may be tough, but Islamabad is clearly not backing down.
