Kabul [Afghanistan], October 1 (ANI): Trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan saw a slight decline in the first half of 2025, according to new figures released by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Tolo News reported.
The ministry’s data showed that bilateral trade reached USD 1.108 billion during the first six months of the year, compared to more than USD 1.117 billion during the same period last year. Despite the dip, Pakistan remains one of Afghanistan’s largest regional trade partners.
Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, said Afghanistan’s key exports to Pakistan included coal, cotton, processed talc stone, mung beans, cucumbers, beans, tobacco, and lentils. Imports from Pakistan consisted mainly of rice, cement, medical supplies, clothing, and potatoes.
Afghanistan’s Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock emphasized the importance of maintaining strong trade ties with Pakistan, citing the country’s reliance on Pakistani transit routes.
Wasim Safi, Chief Executive of the Chamber, stated, “Efforts must be made to establish good trade relations so we can benefit from this situation.”
Economic analysts also highlighted that political issues should not obstruct bilateral trade. Mohammad Karim Azimi, an economic analyst, noted, “We can increase Afghanistan’s trade volume through Pakistan by using the ports of Karachi and Gwadar, which would benefit both countries.”
Despite recent attempts by Afghanistan’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce to improve economic ties with Islamabad, Tolo News reported that recurring border closures, customs tariffs, and transit restrictions imposed by Pakistan continue to disrupt trade.
The report warned that unless these barriers are resolved, Afghanistan-Pakistan trade will remain vulnerable, despite repeated calls from officials and analysts to separate politics from economic cooperation and work toward strengthening bilateral relations. (ANI)
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