The Finance Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Aurangzeb began a second trip to the United States in two weeks on July 29, 2025, to conclude the final trade arrangement with Washington, according to an announcement from the government. Aurangzeb’s visit comes on the heels of positive discussions with US officials including Commerce secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer ahead of Aurangzeb’s previous trip to the US in mid-July. Both sides expressed satisfaction with progress of the discussions and hope for a possible agreement in the near future.
The primary goal of the discussions is reciprocal reductions to tariffs, focusing heavily on the US tariffs imposed on Pakistan imports at 29%, the tariffs were implemented as a part of institutional measures adopted by the Trump administration to contain countries with trade surpluses. After Islamabad reported a #3 billion surplus on trade with the US in 2024, it was logical that these tariffs would be addressed. Pakistan is suggesting imports of US goods, such as crude oil, to offset the tariffs and making investment inducements, especially for US firms in Pakistan’s mining sector. The expected agreement will open a range of opportunities for future business and trade across agriculture, minerals, information technology and position the US as Pakistan’s largest export market, adding to the countries’ growing degree of economic strategic ties.
