ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s exports to the European Union have increased by 91.45% since the country was granted GSP+ trade status in 2014, the European Commission said in its fifth GSP Report released on Thursday, which also identified Pakistan as the largest beneficiary of the bloc’s preferential trade scheme with €7.1 billion in exports in 2024.
The report, which assesses the implementation of 27 international conventions by countries benefiting from the EU’s preferential trade scheme, said Pakistan also achieved a utilisation rate of more than 95%, reflecting its effective use of the trade preferences available under the programme.
❗#UPDATE The EU has published 5th GSP Report!
The report evaluates the implementation of 27 international core conventions in beneficiary countries.
It points to areas where progress is needed.
Since the award of GSP+ in 2014, 🇵🇰’s exports to 🇪🇺 have risen by 91.45%.
1/2 pic.twitter.com/DZzk6eJTZa
— EUPakistan (@EUPakistan) July 16, 2026
The European Union said Pakistan’s exports to the bloc have increased by 91.45% since it was granted GSP+ status in 2014.
Pakistan outperformed all other GSP+ beneficiaries in export value, with the Philippines and Sri Lanka ranking behind it, the report said.
The GSP+ scheme grants eligible developing countries reduced or zero-duty access to the EU market in return for implementing international conventions on human rights, labour rights, environmental protection and good governance.
According to the report, the programme has become a key driver of Pakistan’s exports, particularly in the textile and manufacturing sectors, by improving access to the European market.
The report evaluates beneficiary countries’ implementation of 27 international conventions covering human rights, labour standards, environmental protection, climate action and governance.
Progress on legal and labour reforms
The report acknowledged several areas where Pakistan had made progress during the review period.
It said the country had taken legislative steps to reduce the scope of the death penalty and implemented rules under the Anti-Torture Act. Provincial governments also enacted Child Marriage Restraint laws aimed at strengthening legal protections for children and other vulnerable groups.
On labour rights, the report said Pakistan ratified the International Labour Organisation’s Protocol on Forced Labour and introduced initiatives to facilitate the transition of workers from the informal to the formal economy.
According to the report, these measures are intended to improve working conditions and strengthen compliance with international labour standards.
The European Union also recognised Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen anti-corruption policies through updated governance measures introduced during the reporting period.
According to the report, Pakistan’s reform efforts were complicated by natural disasters during the reporting period, which placed additional pressure on administrative institutions and worsened existing socio-economic challenges.
Support ahead of 2027 GSP+ review
The European Union said it continues to support Pakistan through initiatives such as the Trade for Decent Work programme and broader Aid for Trade funding designed to strengthen infrastructure, regulatory compliance and export competitiveness.
The report said Pakistan’s strong export performance demonstrates the economic benefits of the GSP+ scheme.
However, it stressed that sustained progress on governance, human rights, labour standards and environmental commitments would be essential to preserving those benefits.
