US-Pakistan Tariff Talks Amid Regional Shifts

Pakistan and the United States have agreed to intensify negotiations aimed at finalizing a trade agreement to address steep reciprocal tariffs recently imposed by the US, which could impact up to 29% of Pakistani exports. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick discussed these tariffs in a virtual meeting and committed to continued technical talks. The negotiations are crucial as Pakistan seeks to protect its $5.44 billion export market to the US amid domestic economic challenges. Analysts caution that the new tariffs threaten Pakistan’s economic recovery. Meanwhile, both India and Pakistan are adjusting their strategies toward Afghanistan's Taliban government, with India stepping up diplomatic engagement and aid. These developments reflect evolving geopolitical and economic dynamics in South Asia.