Pakistan’s exports to Sri Lanka stand at about $450 million against roughly $90 million in the other direction. The Pakistan Sri Lanka trade gap was set out by Sri Lanka’s Consul General in Karachi, PK Sanjeewa Pattiwila, who said it reflects untapped potential under a bilateral trade agreement signed in 2005.
The agreement already grants duty free access to both countries, Pattiwila said. He urged both sides to address trade related technical barriers, review restrictive measures and strengthen business to business engagement to expand market access.
Speaking at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he said both countries had adopted an overly defensive approach to trade, while businesses needed to pursue markets more aggressively.
“In the business world, we cannot always remain on the defensive. We must proactively pursue markets and break down barriers,” he said.
What each country sells the other
Pakistan exports cement and heavy materials to Sri Lanka, Pattiwila said. Sri Lankan exports include betel leaves, electrical and electronic products, finished textile garments and, more recently, pineapples.
He cited the facilitation of pineapple exports as an example of how targeted engagement can open new opportunities. He also offered support on trade and visa matters.
Karachi Chamber President Talat Mahmood said the chamber and the consulate share a responsibility to serve as a bridge between the two business communities. He named pharmaceuticals, textiles, rubber products, plastics, engineering goods, surgical instruments and food processing as avenues for joint ventures.
“I want to see the available potential translated into tangible results on the ground,” he said.
Pakistan Sri Lanka trade gap: a surplus against the regional tide
The Sri Lanka figures run against Pakistan’s wider regional trade picture. In the July to September quarter of fiscal 2026-27, Pakistan’s trade deficit with nine neighbouring countries widened 26.62 per cent to $4.97 billion, as exports to the group fell 6.72 per cent to $944.24 million while imports surged 19.79 per cent to $5.92 billion.
Sri Lanka is one of the nine countries in that set, alongside Afghanistan, China, Bangladesh, India, Iran, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives. Our report on the regional figures is here: Pakistan Regional Trade Deficit Widens to $4.97 Billion.
That contrast gives the Karachi discussion its weight. With the region, Pakistan buys far more than it sells. With Sri Lanka, the flow runs the other way, by about five to one. The consul general’s argument is that a duty free deal already exists, so the gap reflects barriers and weak business links rather than tariffs.
Trade flows through Karachi remain central to this picture, including cargo movements covered here: Imported Wheat Reaches Karachi Port and here: Advance Filing Eases Cargo Clearance at Karachi Port. Pakistan has also been concluding trade terms with other partners, as covered here: Pakistan Canada Treaty Talks Conclude Third Round.
What happens next
The next steps named in Karachi are practical: fix technical barriers, review restrictive measures and build direct business links. Joint ventures in pharmaceuticals, textiles, engineering goods and food processing offer the clearest path from a $450 million export line to a larger two way flow.
For exporters, the message is that market access already exists on paper. The work now is turning that access into orders, shipments and partnerships.
How large is the Pakistan Sri Lanka trade gap?
Pakistan exports about $450 million to Sri Lanka, while imports from Sri Lanka stand at roughly $90 million, a ratio of about five to one.
What trade deal covers the two countries?
A bilateral trade agreement signed in 2005 grants duty free access to both countries. The consul general said technical barriers and weak business links, not tariffs, limit trade.
Which sectors offer joint venture potential?
Pharmaceuticals, textiles, rubber products, plastics, engineering goods, surgical instruments and food processing were named by the Karachi chamber president.
