Pakistan’s IT exports hit USD 337m in August, up 13% YoY

Karachi: Pakistan’s information technology (IT) exports reached USD 337 million in August 2025, reflecting a 13% year-on-year (YoY) increase, according to official data. However, the figure marked a 5% decline compared to July on a month-on-month (MoM) basis.

The August performance surpassed the 12-month average of USD 326 million, highlighting the sector’s resilience and growing global footprint. In the first two months of FY26, IT exports rose to USD 692 million, an 18% YoY jump.

Daily export proceeds averaged USD 14.6 million in August, slightly lower than July’s USD 15.4 million. Analysts at Topline Research attributed the annual growth to a broader client base in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, supportive policy measures by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), and exchange rate stability that encouraged exporters to remit higher earnings.

The SBP recently raised the permissible retention limit in Exporters’ Specialised Foreign Currency Accounts from 35% to 50% and allowed equity investments abroad through these accounts. These changes have boosted exporters’ confidence to bring proceeds back to Pakistan.

A Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA) survey found that 62% of IT companies are now maintaining specialised foreign currency accounts. Topline noted that the SBP’s Equity Investment Abroad (EIA) scheme is also likely to sustain growth in remittances.

Net IT exports (exports minus imports) stood at USD 306 million in August, up 19% YoY though down 4% MoM, and higher than the 12-month average of USD 286 million.

The government has set a target of USD 5 billion in IT exports for FY26. Topline Research projects growth of 18–20% for the year, while under the “Uraan Pakistan” national economic plan, IT exports are expected to reach USD 10 billion by FY29, implying a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 27% over the next four years.