Pakistan, US move to finalise trade deal through 'constructive engagement'

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States have agreed to continue their negotiations through constructive engagement in order to finalise a trade agreement at the earliest, according to an official statement issued on Tuesday.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb held a virtual meeting with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on June 16 (Monday) to discuss reciprocal tariffs and push forward the ongoing talks.

The meeting, held at 9pm (PST), focused on enhancing cooperation in trade and investment. Both sides concurred that detailed technical-level discussions would be held soon under a mutually agreed roadmap, as part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral economic relations.

Both sides expressed confidence in advancing these negotiations to a successful conclusion at the earliest.

Speaking at an event in Islamabad on Tuesday, the finance minister said he had a constructive and positive conversation with the US commerce secretary last night. He said that both countries are moving in the right direction and are stepping ahead to strengthen their strategic partnership.

The talks come against the backdrop of US-announced reciprocal tariffs in April, citing Pakistan’s $3 billion trade surplus with the United States. These tariffs, which could amount to 29% on Pakistani exports, were suspended for 90 days to allow space for negotiations.

Finance Minister Aurangzeb and US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer initiated the formal dialogue with a telephonic conversation on May 30.

Earlier in May, Pakistan proposed a zero-tariff bilateral trade agreement to the United States, offering wide-ranging economic concessions.

Commerce Minister Jam Kamal told Reuters that Pakistan was prepared to extend incentives to American firms, particularly in the mining sector in Balochistan, through joint ventures with local companies. These concessions include lease grants and investment facilitation.

Additionally, Pakistan has offered to increase imports from the United States, especially cotton and edible oils, which are in short domestic supply.

The developments come amid a broader strategic thaw, with US President Trump recently stating that Washington is working on "big deals" with both Pakistan and India.

This follows the US-brokered ceasefire earlier between the two neighbours after the worst cross-border clashes in decades.