Pakistan & US conclude successful trade talks ahead of July 9

Pakistan and the United States have completed a key round of trade talks. The discussions ended successfully on July 2, just a week before the July 9 deadline. Both countries have agreed on a broad plan for a future trade deal.

A Pakistani delegation led by Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul visited Washington. They held talks for four days. Now, the team is preparing to return home.

While they reached a general understanding, no formal agreement has been announced yet. The US is still negotiating trade deals with other countries. The final agreement with Pakistan will be announced once all talks finish.

The main aim for Pakistan was to finalize a long-term tariff agreement. This would protect Pakistan’s exports, especially textiles and agricultural goods, from high tariffs. Without a deal, these products risked facing a 29% tariff after July 9.

Earlier this year, this tariff was temporarily suspended. But that suspension was due to end if no progress was made. Both countries worked hard to avoid this outcome.

Officials said the talks were productive. They agreed on a broad framework for future cooperation.

The new deal might also open the Pakistani market to more American products. Crude oil is expected to be one of the major imports. The agreement could also encourage US investment in Pakistan’s mining, energy, and infrastructure sectors.

The Reko Diq copper and gold mining project was an important topic in the talks. Energy infrastructure linked to this project was discussed in detail.

The talks could also strengthen cooperation through the US Export-Import Bank. This would help finance business partnerships between the two countries.

Earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the US might extend the deadline if real progress was made. However, Pakistani officials wanted to finish the deal quickly. They said this would reduce uncertainty for exporters and investors.

This trade agreement is a big step for Pakistan. It could secure better access to the US market for local industries. It also shows improving trade relations between the two countries. These relations were strained before due to higher tariffs during the Trump administration.