Islamabad, April 15, 2025: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has confirmed that Pakistan will not pursue retaliatory measures in response to the tariffs imposed during former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.
In an interview with the BBC, Aurangzeb acknowledged the concerns raised by the tariffs, which he said have contributed to global economic uncertainty. “We must all consider how to navigate this new world order, and I believe it’s critical to engage in constructive dialogue on this issue,” he said.
When asked directly about the possibility of countermeasures, the finance minister responded firmly: “No.”
Aurangzeb also addressed the broader geopolitical context, particularly the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China. He reaffirmed that Pakistan maintains a long-standing strategic relationship with the United States, while also underlining the importance of its strong ties with China.
Former President Trump had announced new tariffs that included a 29% duty on Pakistani exports. However, these tariffs have been delayed for 90 days, offering temporary relief. Regardless, a baseline tariff of 10% will still apply to all affected countries, including Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced that Pakistan will dispatch a high-level delegation to Washington to discuss trade issues, including the tariff matter. The delegation aims to engage U.S. counterparts in meaningful dialogue to minimize the adverse impact on Pakistan’s exports and economic outlook.
