Aurangzeb to Visit U.S. Amid Rising Trade Tensions and Global Financial Talks
WASHINGTON — Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb is set to travel to the United States next week for critical discussions during the 2025 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, as Pakistan navigates growing concerns over proposed U.S. tariffs on its exports.
Aurangzeb will arrive in Washington on April 21 to participate in the week-long meetings, which bring together global financial leaders, including central bank chiefs, finance ministers, and development experts from around the world.
The visit comes at a pivotal time, with the Trump administration having recently introduced a proposed 29% tariff on Pakistani goods. Although these tariffs have been temporarily suspended for 90 days, they pose a significant threat to Pakistan’s export market in the U.S.—its largest trading partner.
According to diplomatic insiders, the finance minister is expected to use this opportunity to hold discussions with American officials regarding the tariff policy. He will also consult with the IMF and other international financial bodies on how best to handle the potential economic impact of these duties.
Pakistan is one of 75 nations planning direct talks with the U.S. over the steep tariff measures. Following Aurangzeb’s visit, a formal trade delegation led by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan is expected to head to Washington to engage in structured negotiations.
Officials say Aurangzeb’s meetings will help shape Pakistan’s strategy by understanding how other affected nations are responding and by gathering insights from financial institutions that guide the country’s economic reform programs.
The Pakistani government views these consultations as essential for developing an informed, strategic response before entering formal talks with Washington.
