Brief by Shorts91 NewsDesk / 10:18am on 29 Jun 2025,Sunday India Global
India’s May 2, 2025 ban on direct or indirect handling of Pakistani-origin cargo at its ports prompted by the Pahalgam terror attack has forced Pakistani importers to rely on feeder vessels. The shift delays shipments by 30–50 days and hikes freight costs, according to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce’s Javed Bilwani. Pakistani exporters also are facing rising shipping and insurance costs, though export volumes remain largely unaffected. Pakistan’s export sector, which depends on imported inputs, may see broader economic strain. Bilateral trade has been dwindling since 2019, from US $2.41 billion in 2018 to US $1.2 billion in 2024, with exports to India shrinking from $547.5 million to just $480,000. (PC: istock)
