Pakistan Import Duty & Tariff Guide 2026
Pakistan is the world's third-largest apparel exporter and the source of ~80% of global hand-held surgical instruments (Sialkot). Textiles pay MFN duties of up to 32% plus the 10% forced-labor Section 301 tariff, while surgical instruments and sports goods pay 0% MFN + 10%. No China Section 301 lists apply. No US FTA.
The Section 122 surcharge expired on 24 July 2026. The forced-labor Section 301 tariff replaced it the same day: 10% on Pakistani goods, on top of MFN. Computers, phones, chips, energy and Section 232 goods are exempt. Current US tariff regime →
US Import Duties on Pakistani Products (2026)
| Product | HTS | MFN | +Forced-labor | 2026 total | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton T-shirts (knit) | 6109.10 | 16.5% | 10% | 26.5% | Pakistan's largest export category to US |
| Woven cotton trousers | 6203.42 | 16.6% | 10% | 26.6% | High volume from Sialkot & Faisalabad |
| Bed linen (cotton) | 6302.21 | 6.7% | 10% | 16.7% | Pakistan is top bed linen exporter to US |
| Terry towels (cotton) | 6302.60 | 9.1% | 10% | 19.1% | Major home textile category |
| Cotton yarn | 5205.11 | 5% | 10% | 15% | Pakistan is world's 4th largest cotton producer |
| Surgical instruments | 9018.90 | Free | 10% | 10% | Sialkot produces ~80% of world's hand surgical instruments |
| Sports goods (gloves) | 9506.99 | Free | 10% | 10% | Sialkot is global sports goods capital |
| Leather footwear | 6403.99 | 8.5% | 10% | 18.5% | Quality leather goods from Lahore |
| Basmati rice | 1006.30 | 1.4¢/kg | 10% | ~10.5% | Basmati (1006.30.90) pays a specific duty of about 0.5% plus 10% |
| Carpets (hand-knotted) | 5701.10 | Free | 10% | 10% | Traditional hand-knotted rugs; MFN 0% |
| Cutlery (stainless) | 8211.92 | 4.4–6.1% (+¢/unit) | 10% | ~15–17% | Wazirabad cutlery hub; most lines add a small per-knife duty |
No Section 301, no Section 232 concerns for non-steel categories. MPF applies per shipment. GSP provides limited benefit (apparel excluded).
Pakistan Import Duty — FAQs
What are Pakistan's main exports to the US?
Pakistan's top US exports: (1) Textiles and apparel — Pakistan is the world's 3rd largest cotton exporter and a major apparel manufacturer; cotton knit garments, woven clothing, bed linen, and towels dominate; (2) Surgical instruments — Sialkot produces ~80% of the world's hand-held surgical instruments; (3) Sports goods — Sialkot also makes a large share of global soccer balls, boxing gloves, and hockey equipment; (4) Leather goods — footwear, bags, gloves; (5) Rice — especially fragrant basmati; (6) Carpets — hand-knotted rugs; (7) Cutlery and kitchenware.
Does Pakistan have a free trade agreement with the US?
No. The US and Pakistan have no free trade agreement, and the US GSP program that once covered some Pakistani goods lapsed at the end of 2020 (apparel was never covered). Pakistani goods pay MFN rates plus the 10% forced-labor Section 301 tariff that replaced the Section 122 surcharge on 24 July 2026.
Is Pakistan subject to Section 301 tariffs?
Only to the forced-labor one. The China Section 301 lists (7.5–25%) apply to Chinese goods only, but the forced-labor tariff in force since 24 July 2026 is also a Section 301 action, and Pakistan is in its 10% tier. For cotton T-shirts that means 26.5% from Pakistan against 36.5% from China (16.5% MFN + 7.5% List 4A + 12.5%) and 29% from Vietnam.
Why are Pakistani surgical instruments duty-free?
US Harmonized Tariff Schedule Chapter 90 (surgical and medical instruments) carries a 0% MFN rate for most hand-held surgical instruments (HTS 9018.90). The Sialkot surgical instruments cluster supplies the majority of the world's scalpels, forceps, scissors, retractors, and other reusable surgical tools. Since 24 July 2026 the only duty on them is the 10% forced-labor Section 301 tariff — a sharp contrast to the high duties on apparel from the same origin.
Does Section 122 still apply to Pakistan?
No. The 10% Section 122 surcharge expired on 24 July 2026 and the forced-labor Section 301 tariff replaced it the same day, also at 10% for Pakistan. So Pakistani costs did not change: bed linen at 6.7% MFN still pays 16.7%, and surgical instruments at 0% MFN pay 10%.
How does the Sialkot industrial cluster affect Pakistan's tariff story?
Sialkot is one of the world's most unusual industrial clusters: a city of ~700,000 people that produces ~80% of global hand-held surgical instruments, ~70% of global soccer balls (FIFA-certified), and is a top global supplier of boxing equipment. Most of these goods carry 0% or very low MFN rates. The high-duty story for Pakistan is textiles — but the high-volume, zero-base-duty story is surgical instruments and sporting goods.
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