Afghanistan’s foreign trade reached $12.949 billion over the past year, according to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, signaling a notable increase in economic activity.
The ministry highlighted that the rise reflects improved purchasing power among Afghans and stronger trade relations with regional partners.
The country exported goods worth $1.785 billion during this period, with key exports including figs, cotton, raisins, carpets, lead ingots, and precious and semi-precious stones. These products found strong demand in markets such as Pakistan, India, the UAE, Uzbekistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Türkiye, and Tajikistan. On the other hand, Afghanistan imported $11.164 billion worth of goods, including essential items like diesel fuel, wheat flour, vehicle parts, liquefied gas, cotton textiles, spices, oil, and rice, which are vital for sustaining domestic industries and daily commerce.
While the figures indicate economic activity, Afghanistan continues to face a significant trade deficit. In 2023, imports totaled $7.710 billion, while exports reached $1.884 billion, underscoring the country’s reliance on foreign goods. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) special representative Roza Utunbayeva, recently reported a 2.7% economic growth rate for 2024, suggesting modest progress. However, experts warn that persistent challenges, including reduced foreign aid and the widening trade gap, could hinder long-term stability.
The latest trade data highlights both Afghanistan’s economic resilience and the ongoing need for policies that boost exports, attract investment, and reduce dependency on imports. As the country navigates these challenges, observers remain cautious about its economic trajectory in the coming years.
China’s Dongfeng Audi Motors will invest $50 million to establish a vehicle manufacturing facility in Afghanistan, a move expected to create hundreds of local jobs and boost industrial growth.
Iran has announced plans to significantly expand its economic relationship with Afghanistan, targeting $10 billion in bilateral trade, as regional powers ramp up efforts to turn Afghanistan into a strategic trade and transit hub.
Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, met with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, during an official visit to Doha aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation.
Afghanistan is facing a sharp increase in measles and other diseases, with over 12,500 new measles cases reported in March alone, as its strained health system struggles to respond amid declining international aid.
In a significant development for Afghanistan-Russia relations, Zamir Kabulov, Special Envoy of the Russian President, held high-level talks with Taliban officials in Kabul, signaling a further warming of ties between the two nations.
Britain's King Charles has called on the world to work toward lasting peace and preventing future wars during a speech marking the end of four days of events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost shared rare insights on faith, unity, and modern challenges in a few candid interviews.
A humanitarian ship carrying 20,000 tons of Ukrainian wheat docked in Samsun, Türkiye, on Thursday, marking a major World Food Program initiative to supply crisis-hit regions, including Syria.
North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un supervised a missile test on Thursday, emphasizing the nation's nuclear combat readiness, according to state media KCNA.
EU foreign ministers will visit Lviv, Ukraine, on May 9 to discuss defense support and endorse plans for a tribunal on war crimes and aggression.
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
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Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has announced it will no longer sell goods directly from China to U.S. customers, shifting instead to U.S.-based sellers amid the closure of a long-criticized customs loophole.
Cardinals from 70 nations have gathered in Vatican City to begin the historic conclave to elect the next pope, following the death of Pope Francis 17 days ago. This conclave is the most geographically diverse in Church history, showcasing Francis’ legacy of inclusivity.
Armenia has officially approved joining the Ashgabat Agreement, aiming to enhance its regional transit role and secure broader access to international markets through a key transport and transit corridor spanning Central and South Asia.
Turkmenistan will host the next session of the High-Level Working Group on the Caspian Sea, following constructive discussions in Moscow among the five littoral states on maritime cooperation and legal frameworks.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, in a message to participants of the 28th Eurasian Economic Summit, praised the strong Azerbaijani–Turkish partnership and reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to promoting peace, tolerance, and interfaith harmony.
Kazakhstan’s Senate has approved a key agreement with the UAE to develop a 1 GW wind power station in the Zhambyl region, with plans to enhance renewable energy production and storage capacity. The project will create thousands of jobs and attract significant investments.
The US Embassy in Georgia has cautioned American citizens about potential security threats at several major shopping malls in Tbilisi, though Georgian officials have refuted the claims as unfounded.
Britain's King Charles has called on the world to work toward lasting peace and preventing future wars during a speech marking the end of four days of events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost shared rare insights on faith, unity, and modern challenges in a few candid interviews.
A humanitarian ship carrying 20,000 tons of Ukrainian wheat docked in Samsun, Türkiye, on Thursday, marking a major World Food Program initiative to supply crisis-hit regions, including Syria.
North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un supervised a missile test on Thursday, emphasizing the nation's nuclear combat readiness, according to state media KCNA.
EU foreign ministers will visit Lviv, Ukraine, on May 9 to discuss defense support and endorse plans for a tribunal on war crimes and aggression.
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