ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s current account returned to surplus in May 2026, recording a $459 million surplus, compared with a revised deficit of $276 million in April, according to State Bank of Pakistan data, marking a sharp monthly improvement in the country’s external position.
The rebound was largely driven by stronger secondary income inflows, led by workers’ remittances, which rose to $4.25 billion in May from $3.54 billion a month earlier. The improvement helped offset a still-wide trade gap, as goods imports remained elevated at $5.69 billion while goods exports slipped to $2.37 billion.
The goods trade deficit stood at $3.32 billion in May, slightly narrower than April’s $3.37 billion but wider than the $3.06 billion deficit recorded in May 2025. Services trade provided limited support, posting a $28 million surplus during the month.
On a cumulative basis, the current account recorded a surplus of $255 million in July-May FY26, compared with $1.62 billion in the same period last year, indicating that external pressures have not fully eased.
The May surplus provides short-term support for foreign-exchange stability, but sustained improvement would depend on export growth, import management, and continued remittance inflows, amid a fragile yet improving overall balance-of-payments outlook in the coming months.
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