Market Trends of pakistan courier, express, and parcel (cep) Industry
Pakistan has an agreement with China for an economic corridor with 56 ambitious projects worth USD 25.5 billion for connectivity and trade
- The transport and storage sector contributed 17.33% YoY to the GDP in 2021 due to abolishing government restrictions and increasing international connectivity for trade. However, the sector started to decline again in 2022, registering a - 6.19% YoY growth in GDP contribution due to the Ukraine-Russia war.
- Pakistan's economy is dependent on international connections, including a large Pakistani workforce in the Gulf States that travels in and out of the country. Furthermore, there is a growing emphasis on expanding trade with the Central Asian region. "Modernising Transportation Infrastructure and Greater Regional Connectivity" is another goal of Pakistan Vision 2025. Railway cargo has been consistently ignored and has shrunk to about 10% of total transportation. Road transportation is generally preferred over rail transportation because it is faster and more controllable. However, the government should prioritize the development of rail infrastructure capable of transporting at least 25% of total cargo.
- The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a regional connectivity framework. It improves geographical linkages and has improved all modes of transportation by enhancing understanding through academic, cultural, and regional knowledge and the activity of a higher volume of trade and business flow. The CPEC is part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and aims to bring Pakistan to the forefront of the global trade route. Under the CPEC program, Pakistan and China launched 56 projects. So far, 26 projects totaling USD 17 billion have been completed, with 30 projects totaling USD 8.5 billion still in the works. Furthermore, the total cost of the 36 CPEC projects is estimated to be USD 28.4 billion.
Increasing oil prices has led to a decrease in demand and decline in sales of fuel by 19% in H1 2023
- Diesel and Gasoline experienced the maximum impact of COVID-19 in 2020. Diesel prices declined by -14.46% YoY, and Gasoline prices declined by a negative 10.30% YoY in 2020. However, the price of diesel increased by 31.03% in 2021 due to global oil supplies having been significantly impacted by the sanctions imposed on Russia as a consequence of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has contributed to the rise in prices. [1]
- Pakistan doesn't have oil reserves and needs to import 80% of its oil demand as crude oil or refined petroleum products. The cost of importing has increased because oil prices have risen globally, including in Pakistan. Oil prices are increasing due to the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and flood disasters in 2021 and 2022. This has resulted in higher taxes on petroleum and other products to meet national spending. The Pakistani rupee has rapidly devalued in recent years, and government subsidies on petrol have been abolished, causing petrol prices to reach a record high of PKR 282 on April 2023. Pakistan's economy is being affected by political instability, which is also contributing to the fuel price increases. [2]
- In the first half of FY2023, the oil industry experienced an overall decline of 19% compared to the previous year, with residual fuel oil (RFO) sales having the highest decline at 24%. The increase in oil prices has led to a significant reduction in demand for petroleum products globally, especially domestically, where taxes and levies have also increased. It affects the agricultural sector, which is one of the country’s main sources of income and provides raw materials for the industry, and rising oil prices will increase electricity costs.
OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT
- Pakistan's population growth by 1.98% in 2023, expected to peak at 404.68 million by 2092 driven by a high fertility rate
- The agriculture industry is growing rapidly in Pakistan with investment from countries such as Saudi Arabia
- The number of e-commerce users is expected to increase from 51.40 million in 2021 to 70.79 million by 2027 in Pakistan
- Textile exports in Pakistan to reach USD 25.3 billion by 2025 through the new Textile Policy 2020-2025
- Pakistan's vision 2025 fuels transport infrastructure and logistics growth, boost by Chinese investment for regional connectivity hub
- Pakistan’s agriculture, employing 45% of the workforce, is vital, focusing on crops and livestock
- Soaring inflation in Pakistan is largely due to rising food and fuel costs coupled with flood residue impact
- Pakistan is forecast to be the world's 7th largest consumer market by 2030, boosted by consumer electronics
- Pakistan targets a 50% emissions cut by 2030, focusing on renewables & electric vehicles and banning coal imports
- Road transport dominates 96% of Pakistan as increased Chinese investment fuels infrastructure and economic advancements through corridor project