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.
Kazakhstan has elected its first unicameral Kurultai, bringing into force a sweeping political overhaul launched less than a year ago. The vote mar...
Syrian and Israeli officials held U.S.-brokered talks in Jordan on Sunday to ease tensions after an Israeli strike on a Syrian airbase near Tü...
Uzbekistan is looking to Singapore as it builds a fintech ecosystem designed to attract global investment, technology companies and talent....
Iran on Saturday denounced U.S. plans to announce new sanctions that could put further strain on the Islamic Republic's economy and have an impact on its most important trading partners including China.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday that Kyiv wants peace but will not surrender to Russia, as foreign leaders joined Independence Day events marking 35 years since Ukraine’s independence.
A newly created pro-government political party has secured a commanding victory in Kazakhstan's snap parliamentary election, according to exit polls, strengthening President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's influence at a pivotal moment in the country's political transition.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected calls for a wartime election, arguing that holding a vote while Russia's full-scale invasion continues would divide the country and undermine national unity.
Only four commodity vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, following 13 transits a day earlier, as disruptions continue to restrict traffic through the key energy chokepoint.
Syrian and Israeli officials held U.S.-brokered talks in Jordan on Sunday to ease tensions after an Israeli strike on a Syrian airbase near Türkiye last week.
Kazakhstan has elected its first unicameral Kurultai, bringing into force a sweeping political overhaul launched less than a year ago. The vote marks a major step in implementing the country’s new Constitution.
Uzbekistan is looking to Singapore as it builds a fintech ecosystem designed to attract global investment, technology companies and talent.
Only four commodity vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, following 13 transits a day earlier, as disruptions continue to restrict traffic through the key energy chokepoint.
Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have moved to deepen their strategic partnership, with President Ilham Aliyev’s state visit focusing on political ties, education, culture and stronger links between Central Asia and the South Caucasus.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment