Goods transport strike causes Rs450 billion loss to export sectors

Exporters in Pakistan, including those from value-added textiles, knitwear, ready-made leather garments, and towel sectors, have expressed deep concerns following a 9-day goods transport strike that commenced on August 8, 2026. The strike led to an estimated loss of 450 billion Pakistani Rupees due to disruptions in export cargo movement, an unprecedented increase in sea freight charges, and a lack of required space on cargo ships. Key representatives from export associations highlighted that the prolonged halt severely impacted the delivery of export containers to Karachi Port and Port Qasim, resulting in missed shipments, cancelled bookings, and additional charges like detention and demurrage. They urged the government to intervene, emphasizing that these losses not only harm exporters but also deprive the nation of valuable foreign exchange, with daily economic losses estimated at 50 billion Pakistani Rupees during the strike.