Repatriation of profits and dividends by foreign investors rose more than 24% in the first five months of fiscal year 2025-26, reflecting improved earnings by foreign firms operating in Pakistan, according to data released by the central bank.

Foreign investors repatriated $1.42 billion during July-November (5MFY26), up 24.46% from $1.14 billion in the same period last year, the State Bank of Pakistan data showed.

Outflows against foreign direct investment accounted for the bulk of the amount, with foreign companies sending $1.37 billion abroad as profit during the period, compared with $1.09 billion a year earlier, marking a year-on-year increase of 25.91%.

In contrast, payments against portfolio investment declined. Repatriation linked to portfolio investment stood at $51.95 million, down 4.43% from $54.36 million in the same period of the previous fiscal year.

In November alone, foreign firms repatriated $281.44 million in profits and dividends.

Sector-wise data showed that the power sector recorded the highest profit outflows, with $350.17 million repatriated during the five-month period. The financial business sector followed with outflows of $310.32 million.

Profit repatriation from the communications sector rose sharply to $116.33 million, while outflows from the food sector stood at $103.83 million. The tobacco and cigarette sector recorded repatriation of $81.2 million during the review period.

Country-wise figures showed China as the largest recipient of profit repatriation, with $379.83 million sent abroad in 5MFY26, compared with $97.02 million in the same period last year. In November alone, payments to China totaled $96.63 million.

The United Kingdom ranked second, with profit repatriation of $354.79 million, although this was lower than the $412.68 million recorded a year earlier.

The Netherlands followed with $119.43 million, sharply higher than $29.08 million in the same period last year, while the United States saw repatriation of $106.71 million.