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Pakistan recorded a current account surplus of $459 million in May 2026, reversing the $276 million deficit seen in April, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan.
The improvement was largely driven by higher worker remittances and a decline in imports, helping strengthen the country’s external account position.
Remittances hit record levels
Overseas Pakistanis sent a record $4.3 billion in remittances during May, marking the highest monthly inflow to date.
The State Bank reported that remittances increased by 20.2% on a monthly basis and 15.4% year-on-year, reflecting strong inflows from expatriate workers.
For the first 11 months of the current fiscal year, total remittances reached $38.1 billion, compared to $34.9 billion in the same period last year — a rise of 9.2%.
Trade gap still present
Despite the surplus in the current account, Pakistan continued to import significantly more than it exported.
In May, imports stood at $5.6 billion, while exports were recorded at $2.3 billion, highlighting the ongoing trade imbalance.
Exports for the first 11 months of the fiscal year reached $29.75 billion, according to official data.
Officials noted that Pakistan had recorded current account surpluses for three consecutive months prior to April’s deficit, indicating a period of relative external stability.
Economists attribute the recent surplus trend to lower import demand, tighter financial conditions, and sustained inflows of remittances from abroad.
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