The enhanced Generalized System of Preferences (GSP Plus) status granted by the European Union is not just a trade concession, it is the lifeline of Pakistan’s economy. Under this status, more than 66% of Pakistani products including textiles, leather and surgical goods are exported to European markets duty free and this facility acts as oxygen for the country’s exports.
Lahore (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 27th March, 2026) The enhanced Generalized System of Preferences (GSP Plus) status granted by the European Union is not just a trade concession but a lifeline for Pakistan’s economy. Under this status, more than 66% of Pakistani products including textiles, leather and surgical goods are exported to European markets duty free and this facility acts as oxygen for the country’s exports.
union Pakistan FPCCI Regional President Zaki Ijaz, United Business Group (UBG) General Patron SM Tanveer and other leaders expressed these views while addressing a joint press conference here at the FPCCI Regional Office on Friday.
The EU is the largest market for Pakistani exports, accounting for about 25 to 30 percent of the country’s total global exports, they said. They added that without GSP Plus, Pakistani products would immediately face 10 to 12 percent customs duties, potentially causing a direct annual loss of US dollars 8 to 9 one billion.
more Prices This would push Pakistani products out of global competition.
the a job The representatives stressed that this issue not only concerns major industrialists, but also directly affects the common people in Pakistan. The country’s export industry, especially textiles and leather, provides employment to millions of workers, including a large number of women. Currently, about three million households are directly linked to these export sectors.
They feared that withdrawing the superior GSP status would lead to factory closures and mass unemployment, which would lead to a serious social and economic crisis. Losing Pakistan’s status would effectively open up European markets to India. Ignoring regional realities would be a grave mistake if Pakistan loses its place in the GSP. India It will replace them, and Pakistani products could disappear permanently from European stores. They concluded that once a market is lost, it is almost impossible to recover it.