The National Statistics and Information Authority has announced that Afghanistan exported goods worth over $667 million in the first six months of the current solar year.
According to the spokesperson of this authority, the value of exports in the first six months of this year decreased by nearly $54 million compared to the same period last year.
Mohammad Halim Rafe, the spokesperson for the National Statistics and Information Authority, stated: “According to our data, Afghanistan recorded $667 million in exports and $5.250 billion in imports.”
The National Statistics Authority report noted that Afghanistan’s main export items in the first six months of the current year were:
• Dried and fresh fruits: $167.1 million
• Medicinal plants: $119.7 million
• Mineral materials: $85.8 million
• Vegetables: $66.4 million
The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment attributes the primary reason for the decline in exports to trade and political challenges between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Khan Jan Alkozai, a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, said: “The main reason for the decrease in exports was the problems in Pakistan. Borders were closed, regional taxes were imposed, and tariffs increased. These factors impacted our exports because our products are transited to India through Pakistan.”
Economic expert Abdul Nasir Reshtia commented on Afghanistan’s dependence on Indian and Pakistani: “One of the fundamental problems is our excessive reliance on India and Pakistan. This dependence stems from the similarity of our markets with these two countries, where high standards and strict criteria are not required. However, to export to other international markets, it is necessary to improve domestic production to meet global standards.”
According to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, despite Afghanistan’s increased exports to neighboring, regional, and global markets over the past three years, 90% of the country’s needs are still met through imports, and exports make up only 10% of Afghanistan’s total trade.