Afghanistan's foreign trade reached $5.2bn in 1H2, according to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. According to Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, the ministry's spokesperson, the country exported goods worth nearly $700mn during this period. Notably, $58mn of these exports were directed to Central Asian countries. Jawad mentioned ongoing efforts to further increase export volumes in 2024.
Jawad stated that trade with Central Asian countries was consistent, totalling $629mn in both exports and imports. This included $58 mn in exports and $571mn in imports.
The Chamber of Commerce and Investment highlighted that the majority of Afghanistan's exports are sent to South Asian countries. However, there are initiatives underway to enhance export volumes to Central Asia. Khan Jan Alokozai, a member of the board of directors, noted the current disparity between imports, which exceed $400mn, and exports, which are mainly agricultural and raw mined products, lacking industrial goods.
Traders have suggested that preferential tariffs from regional countries could help boost Afghanistan's exports. They also stressed the importance of improving trade facilitation through air corridors and land routes to strengthen trade ties both regionally and globally.
Trader Omid Haidari pointed out that high tariffs imposed by Pakistan on Afghan exports present a significant challenge, making it difficult for Afghan traders to compete effectively.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce reported that in 2023, Afghanistan's exports totalled $2bn. The primary export destinations included Pakistan, India, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Turkey, and Iran.
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