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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 exported goods 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
Also See: Kharlachi Border Crossing Reopens After Nine-Day Closure Amid Clashes
Trade and Political Challenges
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 problems in Pakistan caused the decrease in exports. Specifically, Pakistan closed the borders. Additionally, it imposed regional taxes and increased tariffs. As a result, these actions impacted our exports because we transit our products to India through Pakistan.”
Economic expert Abdul Nasir Reshtia commented on Afghanistan’s dependence on India and Pakistan. He said, “One of the fundamental problems is our excessive reliance on these countries. This dependence, in fact, stems from the similarity between our markets and theirs. Moreover, these countries do not require high standards and strict criteria. However, to export to other international markets, Afghanistan must, therefore, improve domestic production to meet global standards.”
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce reports that Afghanistan has increased exports to neighboring, regional, and global markets over the past three years. However, imports still meet 90% of the country’s needs. Exports account for only 10% of Afghanistan’s total trade.
This news is sourced from [Tolo News] and is for informational purposes only.
