## Company Profile Universal Freight Systems (PVT) Ltd. (UFS) — Pakistan-based freight forwarder. Publicly listed website (http://www.ufs.com.pk) and contact: Mr. Arsalan Ahmed, Sr. Overseas Business Development Manager. UFS operates as an integrated forwarder/CHA offering international sea and air freight services, customs clearance and port formalities support, and related logistics (warehousing, door‑to‑door/consolidation and documentation) for Pakistani exporters and importers. Publicly available scale data is limited; client base likely includes textile, rice and seafood exporters that ship from Karachi/Port Qasim (typical Pakistan forwarder profile). ## Pain Points ## Intel Summary === MULTI-DIMENSION RESEARCH === === 1. [MARKET EVENTS] – PAKISTAN TRADE FLOWS & KARACHI PORT THROUGHPUT 2026 === **Karachi Port container & cargo throughput (latest data)** - Karachi Port Trust (KPT) handled **28.335 million tonnes** of cargo in **Oct 2025–Mar 2026**, up from **27.717 million tonnes** in the same period a year earlier (**+2.23% YoY**). Imports rose from **17.139m tonnes to 18.185m tonnes** (**+6.10%**), while exports fell from **10.578m tonnes to 10.150m tonnes** (**–4.04%**).([inp.net.pk](https://inp.net.pk/article-detail/inp-wealthpk/kpt-cargo-handling-rises-223-on-strong-dry-bulk-container-growth?utm_source=openai)) - Terminal‑wise, **Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited (KGTL)** posted the strongest gain, with throughput up **16.66%** to **0.226 million TEUs** in Oct 2025–Mar 2026. Other container terminals showed flatter or mixed performance.([inp.net.pk](https://inp.net.pk/article-detail/inp-wealthpk/kpt-cargo-handling-rises-223-on-strong-dry-bulk-container-growth?utm_source=openai)) - A South Asia container market report (2026) notes that **Karachi Port handled about 2.65 million TEUs in FY 2025**, with growth supported by KICT, PICT, QICT and other terminals (including Port Qasim and Gwadar in the Pakistan total).([containersindia.in](https://containersindia.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CA-Final-Market-Report-2026.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - A policy brief on Pakistan’s logistics performance shows **Karachi Port capacity at 125 million tonnes** with total throughput around **40–52 million tonnes** in recent years and utilization in the **32–41%** range, underlining spare capacity and reliance on import‑heavy flows (imports about **63–69%** of Karachi cargo, exports **31–37%**).([fpcci.org.pk](https://fpcci.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/A-Policy-Brief-on-Pakistans-Logistics-Performance-and-Its-Impact-on-Trade-Competitiveness.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Recent surge in transshipment & diverted trade flows** - In late March 2026, reporting indicated Karachi Port experienced **over 1,400% increase in port activity and transshipment volumes over a 24‑day period**, as global carriers rerouted vessels in response to Middle East security disruptions (Red Sea/Houthi risk). Over those 24 days, **transshipment volumes matched all of last year’s transshipment** at the port.([propakistani.pk](https://propakistani.pk/2026/03/27/karachi-port-sees-more-than-1400-increase-in-cargo-activity/?utm_source=openai)) - This surge is primarily **transshipment cargo**, not Pakistani origin/destination, but it: - Raises **overall container moves** and ship calls at Karachi. - Tightens **berth and yard capacity**, which can affect exporters of textiles, rice, and seafood using Karachi terminals. - Potentially improves **terminal revenues** and justifies investments in productivity, but also risks congestion if inland evacuation and customs clearance lag. **Direction of Pakistan’s overall container trade (FY 2025–26)** - The South Asia Container Market Report 2026 highlights Pakistan’s FY 2025 container trade pattern: - **Textiles**: about **55% of export value**, **USD 14.8 billion**, up **8.4%** vs previous year. - **Food exports** (including rice, some seafood): **USD 6.2 billion**, down **1% YoY**. - On the import side, **food imports USD 6.9 billion** (+0.6%), and **textile imports USD 3.5 billion** (+63.5%), partly reflecting cotton and synthetic fibre/raw material purchases.([containersindia.in](https://containersindia.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CA-Final-Market-Report-2026.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Karachi remains the dominant seaport, accounting for roughly **54% of Pakistan’s merchandise trade** by value via seaports (with Port Qasim taking most of the rest).([fpcci.org.pk](https://fpcci.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/A-Policy-Brief-on-Pakistans-Logistics-Performance-and-Its-Impact-on-Trade-Competitiveness.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Exports of textiles, rice, seafood – flows to GCC & EU via Karachi (2025–26 indications)** - **Textiles** - Pakistan’s textile exports in **July–Feb FY 2025–26** reached **USD 12.249 billion**, up **0.3%** (USD +32m) vs same period last year. February 2026 exports were **USD 2.272 billion**, down **8.76% YoY**, indicating weakening monthly momentum.([profit.pakistantoday.com.pk](https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2026/03/04/pakistan-textile-exports-reach-12-25-billion-in-eight-months-of-fy26/?utm_source=openai)) - For **July–Dec 2025–26**, textile exports were **USD 9.166–9.2 billion**, a **0.9% YoY** increase; December 2025 shipments fell **8.6% YoY** to about **USD 1.35 billion**.([app.com.pk](https://www.app.com.pk/business/textile-exports-increase-0-90-to-9-166-bln-during-jul-dec-2025-26/?utm_source=openai)) - EU remains the single largest market cluster for Pakistan’s textiles under GSP+, while GCC states (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) are key for home textiles and garments; most of this volume moves via Karachi and Port Qasim, but disaggregated EU/GCC shares for 2026 are not yet published. A 2025 GSP+ booklet indicates Pakistan’s **EU market share in textiles/apparel remains small (around 1–2%) but stable**.([commerce.gov.pk](https://www.commerce.gov.pk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/GSP-Booklet-2025.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - **Rice & food (incl. seafood) exports** - The State Bank of Pakistan’s FY 2025 annual report notes **fish and seafood exports rebounded by 13.4%** in value after previous weakness, while rice exports remained a key driver in food exports, supported by strong IRRI and basmati shipments to Asia and the Middle East.([sbp.org.pk](https://www.sbp.org.pk/reports/annual/aarFY25/Complete.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - However, overall **food exports (including rice and seafood) slipped by about 1% to USD 6.2 billion in FY 2025**, reflecting price normalization after the 2022–23 global food spike and some volume issues.([containersindia.in](https://containersindia.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CA-Final-Market-Report-2026.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - GCC (especially **UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman**) is a core destination for Pakistan’s **non‑basmati rice and frozen seafood** via Karachi’s reefer and general cargo terminals. EU demand is more significant for **value‑added seafood** (fillets, processed fish) but volume is smaller vs GCC and China. Latest detailed bilateral breakdowns for 2026 are not yet public; trend commentary from SBP and trade analysts suggests **moderate growth in volume but softer unit prices** vs 2023–24.([sbp.org.pk](https://www.sbp.org.pk/reports/annual/aarFY25/Complete.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Key take‑aways for 2026 market events (so far)** - Karachi Port cargo is **growing modestly** in underlying trade (+2.23% cargo tonnage YoY in Oct–Mar), with **imports driving growth** and **exports mildly contracting**.([inp.net.pk](https://inp.net.pk/article-detail/inp-wealthpk/kpt-cargo-handling-rises-223-on-strong-dry-bulk-container-growth?utm_source=openai)) - A **temporary but very sharp spike (≈1,400%) in transshipment** in March 2026 is reshaping port utilization and may influence freight rates, congestion risk, and feeder connectivity relevant to exporters in textiles, rice, and seafood.([propakistani.pk](https://propakistani.pk/2026/03/27/karachi-port-sees-more-than-1400-increase-in-cargo-activity/?utm_source=openai)) - **Textile exports are essentially flat to slightly positive** in value; **food exports (rice + seafood)** appear marginally lower in aggregate value vs 2024–25, despite seafood’s rebound, indicating either softer prices or product mix shifts.([profit.pakistantoday.com.pk](https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2026/03/04/pakistan-textile-exports-reach-12-25-billion-in-eight-months-of-fy26/?utm_source=openai)) **Sources (Dimension 1)**: ([inp.net.pk](https://inp.net.pk/article-detail/inp-wealthpk/kpt-cargo-handling-rises-223-on-strong-dry-bulk-container-growth?utm_source=openai)) === 2. [COMMODITY TRENDS] – COTTON/TEXTILES, RICE & SEAFOOD EXPORT TRENDS 2026 === **Cotton production & supply context (2024–25 into 2025–26)** - Detailed 2025–26 cotton production figures for Pakistan are still being consolidated, but SBP and industry commentary describe a **partial recovery** after the 2022 floods, with improved yields in Punjab but lingering issues in Sindh. SBP’s FY 2025 report notes improved availability of raw cotton for domestic spinners and some rebound in **raw cotton exports (value up sharply, over 300% YoY off a low base in July–Dec 2025–26)**.([app.com.pk](https://www.app.com.pk/business/textile-exports-increase-0-90-to-9-166-bln-during-jul-dec-2025-26/?utm_source=openai)) - At the same time, **textile raw material imports** (cotton, MMF, yarn) jumped, with FY 2025 textile imports up **63.5% to about USD 3.5 billion**, reflecting both higher volumes and some price effect as mills shifted to more imported inputs.([containersindia.in](https://containersindia.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CA-Final-Market-Report-2026.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Textile export values & price/volume dynamics in 2026** - **Aggregate performance**: - **July–Dec 2025–26 textile exports**: **USD 9.166–9.2 billion**, **+0.9% YoY**, showing stagnating growth.([app.com.pk](https://www.app.com.pk/business/textile-exports-increase-0-90-to-9-166-bln-during-jul-dec-2025-26/?utm_source=openai)) - **July–Feb FY 2025–26**: **USD 12.249 billion**, up **0.3% YoY**.([profit.pakistantoday.com.pk](https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2026/03/04/pakistan-textile-exports-reach-12-25-billion-in-eight-months-of-fy26/?utm_source=openai)) - A sector analysis projects total **2025 textile exports at ~USD 17.85 billion**, and warns that 2026 exports are **likely to decline** due to energy costs, tight credit, and global demand headwinds.([digitalpakistan.pk](https://digitalpakistan.pk/textile-exports-in-pakistan-likely-to-decline-in-2026/?utm_source=openai)) - **Price vs volume signals**: - December 2025 textile exports fell **8.6% YoY in value**, and February 2026 fell **8.76% YoY**, even though the July–Feb period is slightly positive overall. This pattern suggests that **average export prices and/or volumes in late 2025 and early 2026 are under pressure**, possibly reflecting discounting to hold orders and weaker EU/US demand.([profit.pakistantoday.com.pk](https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk/2026/03/04/pakistan-textile-exports-reach-12-25-billion-in-eight-months-of-fy26/?utm_source=openai)) - The Pakistan Textile Council report for Q1 FY 2025–26 shows better performance in higher‑value segments (knitwear, non‑knit apparel, home textiles) while basic yarn and fabric are weaker, implying **continued shift up the value chain but with fragile margins**.([ptc.org.pk](https://ptc.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Q-1-PTC-Exp-Rep-July-September-2025-issued-16-Oct-2025.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Destination markets – EU & GCC (implications)** - EU remains the **largest single regional market** for Pakistan’s textiles, leveraging GSP+ preferences. A 2025 GSP booklet notes Pakistan’s **EU market share in textiles/apparel hovering around 2%**, with textiles dominating Pakistan–EU trade.([commerce.gov.pk](https://www.commerce.gov.pk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/GSP-Booklet-2025.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - For GCC, UAE is both a **re‑export hub** and an end market; Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Oman import Pakistan’s home textiles and garments. Container trade data highlight textiles as **55% of Pakistan’s exports by value**, so GCC and EU flows together account for a significant share of the textile export volume via Karachi and Port Qasim.([containersindia.in](https://containersindia.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CA-Final-Market-Report-2026.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Rice export trends into 2026** - SBP’s trade commentary indicates that Pakistan benefitted from **strong global rice demand and high prices in 2023–24**, particularly non‑basmati exports to Asia and the Middle East and basmati to premium markets. Some of this strength continued into FY 2025 but with **price normalization**.([sbp.org.pk](https://www.sbp.org.pk/reports/annual/aarFY25/Complete.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - In the broader “food exports” category, which is heavily rice‑weighted, **export value in FY 2025 fell 1% to USD 6.2 billion**. Given seafood’s 13.4% rebound in the same period, this suggests **rice export value was flat to slightly down** vs prior year – likely a combination of **stable or rising volumes but lower unit prices** as the global rice rally cooled in late 2024–2025.([sbp.org.pk](https://www.sbp.org.pk/reports/annual/aarFY25/Complete.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - GCC (especially **UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait**) remains the core demand center for IRRI and some basmati rice, while EU is more niche (ethnic and specialty channels). Logistics via Karachi are critical due to bulk, bagged and containerized flows; the modest weakness in overall food export value suggests **no structural collapse in rice volumes, but softer earnings per tonne** in 2025–26. **Seafood (fish & fishery products) export trends into 2026** - SBP’s FY 2025 report states **fish and seafood exports rebounded by 13.4% in value**, after earlier declines tied to over‑fishing restrictions and weak demand. Key markets include **China, GCC (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait), and the EU** for certain higher‑value categories.([sbp.org.pk](https://www.sbp.org.pk/reports/annual/aarFY25/Complete.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Despite this rebound, the overall food export category was down 1%, showing that **seafood’s positive contribution only partly offset weaker rice and other food items**.([containersindia.in](https://containersindia.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/CA-Final-Market-Report-2026.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - For 2026 specifically, no comprehensive PBS breakdown is yet public, but anecdotal reporting from exporters points to: - **Stable to slightly higher volumes**, as access to China and GCC continues. - **Margin pressure from higher fuel costs, reefer freight rates, and compliance costs** (HACCP, EU IUU, GCC food safety standards). **Impact on shipment volumes through Karachi (2026)** - Textile export volumes are **broadly stable but with weaker late‑period bookings**, meaning containerized export flows of textiles through Karachi in early 2026 are **flat to slightly down YoY**, even though total TEU throughput is up due to transshipment and import growth.([inp.net.pk](https://inp.net.pk/article-detail/inp-wealthpk/kpt-cargo-handling-rises-223-on-strong-dry-bulk-container-growth?utm_source=openai)) - Rice export volumes are likely **holding or modestly up**, but falling global prices vs 2023 peaks mean **lower value per container**; exporters may seek cost savings in inland logistics and port handling.([sbp.org.pk](https://www.sbp.org.pk/reports/annual/aarFY25/Complete.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Seafood exports show **improving volumes/value** (13.4% value rebound in FY 2025) but remain **small relative to textiles and rice**; yet they are operationally significant due to cold chain and SPS requirements and their concentration at Karachi and Port Qasim.([sbp.org.pk](https://www.sbp.org.pk/reports/annual/aarFY25/Complete.pdf?utm_source=openai)) **Sources (Dimension 2)**: ([app.com.pk](https://www.app.com.pk/business/textile-exports-increase-0-90-to-9-166-bln-during-jul-dec-2025-26/?utm_source=openai)) === 3. [PROBLEM FRAMING] – CUSTOMS, DOCUMENTATION, SPS & TRANSIT RULE CHANGES (FOCUS: KARACHI, 2025–26) === **1) Pakistan Single Window (PSW) & Port Community System – impact on Karachi exporters** - In late 2025, Pakistan Single Window (PSW) announced that the **Port Community System (PCS), including the Maritime Single Window, is now linked with multiple government agencies** to digitize import/export processes at ports (effective **1 July 2025**). Agencies covered include: - FBR–Pakistan Customs, Inland Revenue - Karachi Port Trust, Port Qasim Authority, Gwadar Port Authority - Mercantile Marine Department - Border Health Services & Port Health Establishment - FIA Immigration/Anti‑Human Smuggling.([pcs.gov.pk](https://www.pcs.gov.pk/news-detail/pakistan-single-window-links-port-community-system-govt-agencies?utm_source=openai)) - Implications for exporters and forwarders in Karachi (2025–26): - **Consolidated electronic submission** of manifest, cargo declarations and vessel clearances. - Potential **reduction in physical visits** to multiple agencies, but added **IT‑system compliance** and need for integration at forwarder/CHA level. - Improved **data sharing for SPS and port health**, which is particularly relevant for rice (phytosanitary certificates) and seafood (health certificates, HACCP documentation). **2) Customs rules & transit cargo examinations (Karachi, Port Qasim, Gwadar)** - In 2025, FBR amended transit cargo rules (Customs Rules, 2001, Rule 473) via **SRO 1062(I)/2025**, reducing the share of transit cargo selected for scanning in ports including **Karachi, Port Muhammad Bin Qasim, and Gwadar**: - **Transit cargo scanning rate cut from 25% to 10%**, and further operational decisions have since reduced **physical examination to about 5%** in certain corridors, under a risk‑management approach.([pkrevenue.com](https://pkrevenue.com/fbr-reduces-transit-cargo-examination-to-5-to-boost-efficiency/?utm_source=openai)) - Implications: - **Faster clearance and lower congestion risk** for Afghan transit and other regional transit shipments moving via Karachi. - Could free terminal and customs inspection capacity, indirectly benefitting export containers (textiles, rice, seafood). - For compliant traders, this **reduces dwell time risk**; high‑risk consignments remain subject to inspection. **3) Finance Act 2025 – Customs Act Section 82 (un‑cleared goods at port)** - The **Finance Act 2025** significantly revised **Section 82 of the Customs Act 1969** governing goods that remain uncleared, un‑warehoused, or un‑exported at ports: - Clarifies **timeframes** for auction or removal of goods after arrival or declaration. - Empowers the **Collector of Customs** to order **re‑export of banned or restricted items** not cleared or auctioned within **60 days**.([pkrevenue.com](https://pkrevenue.com/finance-act-2025-overhauls-section-82-of-customs-act-1969/?utm_source=openai)) - Implications for exporters and forwarders: - Stricter enforcement on **stagnant containers** in Karachi terminals, which may push forwarders to avoid delays in documentation (Form‑E, shipping bills, SPS certificates). - For banned/restricted items (e.g., certain seafood species subject to bans, or items under export controls), risk of **forced re‑export at exporter’s cost** if documentation or regulatory approvals are not in place timely. **4) Export Policy Order & SRO‑based changes (late 2025 & early 2026)** - The Ministry of Commerce lists several **SROs amending the Export Policy Order 2022**; a key one is **SRO 2486 (23 Dec 2025)**, which modifies categories and conditions under the Export Policy Order (EPO). Details in the consolidated text indicate tightened or clarified rules on certain sensitive commodities and documentation procedures.([commerce.gov.pk](https://www.commerce.gov.pk/sros/?utm_source=openai)) - In January 2026, **SRO 61 (15 Jan 2026)** adjusted **import vehicle schemes**; while this is import‑focused, it indicates ongoing use of SROs for trade regime fine‑tuning into 2026.([commerce.gov.pk](https://www.commerce.gov.pk/sros/?utm_source=openai)) For **food and agriculture exporters** (rice, seafood): - Exporters must continually check the latest **EPO schedules** to confirm: - Whether new **registration, pre‑shipment inspection, or certification requirements** apply. - Any **export bans/restrictions** (e.g., for domestic food security) that could affect rice or specific fish species. - Non‑compliance may now more quickly trigger **port‑side enforcement** under the updated Customs Act Section 82 framework, especially at Karachi. **5) SPS & food safety governance – emerging National Agri‑trade and Food Safety Authority** - Pakistan has established (via **National Agri‑trade and Food Safety Authority Ordinance 2025**) a **National Agri‑trade and Food Safety Authority** intended to: - Oversee **SPS compliance** for agricultural exports. - Align national standards with **Codex, WOAH, IPPC** and support export‑oriented reforms in plant quarantine and food safety.([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Agri-trade_and_Food_Safety_Authority?utm_source=openai)) - While institutional arrangements are still evolving, this reinforces a **centralized SPS regulator** beyond existing **Department of Plant Protection** and **Marine Fisheries Department** mandates. - For Karachi‑based exporters of **rice and seafood**, expected implications in 2026–27: - Potential **harmonization of SPS documentation** (phytosanitary certificates, health certificates) and electronic issuance via PSW. - More systematic **risk‑based inspections** and possibly **facility approval lists** for plants exporting to EU and GCC. **6) On‑the‑ground constraints & business‑perceived issues (ports & customs)** - A 2025 policy brief on Pakistan’s logistics performance highlights: - **Low port utilization** at Karachi relative to capacity (around **32–41%**), but **long dwell times and inefficient clearance processes** contributing to high logistics costs.([fpcci.org.pk](https://fpcci.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/A-Policy-Brief-on-Pakistans-Logistics-Performance-and-Its-Impact-on-Trade-Competitiveness.pdf?utm_source=openai)) - Informal commentary (including trade stakeholders on public forums) frequently points to **customs bureaucracy, manual interventions and corruption** at Karachi customs as key pain points, though PSW and risk‑based reforms aim to tackle these.([reddit.com](https://www.reddit.com/r/pakistan/comments/1nycdc9?utm_source=openai)) **7) Net effect on exporters & freight forwarders in Karachi, 2025–26** - **Facilitation side** - PSW‑PCS integration and reduced transit scanning **should cut average clearance times**, particularly for high‑volume, compliant exporters.([pcs.gov.pk](https://www.pcs.gov.pk/news-detail/pakistan-single-window-links-port-community-system-govt-agencies?utm_source=openai)) - Risk‑based approaches and digital documentation **reduce random inspections** and physical paperwork. - **Compliance/risk side** - Revised Section 82 of the Customs Act and evolving Export Policy Order **raise the cost of non‑compliance** (risk of auction/re‑export, penalties).([pkrevenue.com](https://pkrevenue.com/finance-act-2025-overhauls-section-82-of-customs-act-1969/?utm_source=openai)) - Emerging centralized SPS authority implies **tighter scrutiny on food safety and phytosanitary standards**, particularly relevant for **EU and GCC markets** where residue limits and traceability are critical.([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Agri-trade_and_Food_Safety_Authority?utm_source=openai)) - **Operational outcome for 2026** - For well‑organized exporters (major textile groups, leading rice millers, integrated seafood processors) and their freight forwarders, the reforms **create scope for faster, more predictable port handling in Karachi**. - Smaller exporters and forwarders who rely on manual processes or ad‑hoc documentation may face **higher adjustment costs and greater exposure to delays, fines and cargo disposal/re‑export** if they fail to adapt to PSW, SPS and EPO changes. **Sources (Dimension 3)**: ([pcs.gov.pk](https://www.pcs.gov.pk/news-detail/pakistan-single-window-links-port-community-system-govt-agencies?utm_source=openai))