Pakistan Auto Policy 2026-31 Export Rules Could Reopen WTO Tensions With Japan
Waqas Afzal14 Min Read
Pakistan’s proposed Auto and Auto Parts Manufacturing Policy 2026–31 could reopen a long-running trade disagreement with Japan over mandatory automotive exports. Recent reports say the draft could require passenger-car manufacturers to increase exports to around 12% of local production value while linking concessionary treatment to export performance. Japanese manufacturers have previously questioned such requirements, and Japan reportedly threatened WTO action over Pakistan’s outgoing auto policy in 2024. However, Pakistani readers should note that the 2026–31 policy has not yet been publicly notified as a final policy. Official government statements from September 2026 confirm that consultations and clause-by-clause reviews were still continuing.