Pakistan Prepares to Counter Massive US Tariff on Exports

The federal government has unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at counteracting the massive (29%) US tariffs placed on exports via the Trump administration. This strategy means to protect Pakistan’s trade interests while also minimizing the damage to its economy. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has established both a high-level steering committee and a dedicated working group to tackle this challenge through diplomatic and economic avenues. Sources told ProPakistani that Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb will lead the 12-member steering committee, which will manage all aspects of the response, including talks with American officials. The steering committee currently includes key government officials such as: To provide detailed analysis and technical support, a 19-member working group has been formed in addition to the steering committee. Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul will head this group. Its members include key federal secretaries and leading figures from private businesses. The working group has been given specific tasks. These include looking closely at how the 29% tariffs from the US will affect Pakistani products. The group will also come up with both immediate and long-range policy suggestions. Furthermore, it will study new trade possibilities that are appearing because of changes in the world market. Finally, the group will offer up-to-date information, based on data, about the export industries that are being affected. Government officials state that this effort aims to do more than just reduce economic harm. It is also intended to make Pakistan’s trade negotiations stronger. The newly formed working group will act as the research and analysis team for the main steering committee. This steering committee will then develop and direct Pakistan’s official position for talks and its overall trade policy. A senior Commerce Ministry official said: