Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick have agreed to conclude technical-level negotiations on reciprocal tariffs next week, as part of broader efforts to recalibrate economic relations between the two countries.
The talks come amid shifting geopolitical dynamics and Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to avoid punitive US tariffs on its exports.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Finance, both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress and committed to finalizing discussions within the coming week. In parallel, discussions are underway to establish a long-term strategic and investment partnership.
“The dialogue focused on enhancing trade and investment cooperation and building mutually beneficial economic ties,” the ministry noted, highlighting that technical-level trade talks are scheduled to wrap up soon.
The negotiations follow earlier US actions under former President Donald Trump, who in April imposed sweeping global tariffs and specifically targeted several nations, including Pakistan, with reciprocal duties of up to 29 percent.
These tariffs have been temporarily suspended until July, during which Pakistan has dispatched a trade delegation to Washington in hopes of securing permanent relief and addressing the trade imbalance.
The United States remains Pakistan’s largest export destination, receiving over $5 billion worth of goods annually, while Pakistan imports approximately $2.1 billion in US products.
