The Taliban’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce says that following the closure of trade routes with Pakistan, Afghanistan’s commerce with Central Asian countries has expanded through the Hairatan Port. Abdul Salam Jawad, the ministry’s spokesperson, stated that Afghanistan’s exports increased from $122 million to $216 million in 2025, representing a 77 percent rise. Imports also grew from $1.67 billion to $2.39 billion, marking an increase of 43 percent.
Asadullah Asadi, Head of the Secretariat of the Balkh Investment Chamber, said that Afghanistan is increasingly emerging as a key transit crossroads for Central Asian countries, a development that is contributing to the expansion of regional trade. According to available data, Uzbekistan has become one of Afghanistan’s most important trading partners, with trade agreements worth $210 million signed between the two countries during the past two months alone.
However, traders note that despite the growth in commerce, significant challenges remain, including difficulties in obtaining visas, transferring funds, and the persistently high costs associated with imports.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
