Herat Turns to Iran and Central Asia for Export Routes Amid Pakistan Trade Disruptions
Local officials in Herat province say that following the closure of trade routes with Pakistan, Afghanistan’s foreign trade has shifted its focus to transit routes through Iran and Central Asian countries. They emphasize that these corridors now play a significant role in transporting the country’s export goods.
In the most recent development, several shipments of domestically produced goods from Herat have been exported to the United States and Russia via Iran and Central Asia. This move comes as many traders voice concerns over restrictions and instability in trade relations with Pakistan.
According to local government data, products from 110 factories in Herat’s industrial park are being exported to dozens of countries worldwide. Herat’s Chamber of Commerce and Investment also reports that goods worth approximately $60 million have been exported from the province so far this year.
Several traders have warned that if the Taliban administration fails to implement stable and transparent trade policies, Afghanistan’s access to regional and international markets will remain fragile. Experts believe that overreliance on a single neighboring country and the absence of a clear economic strategy under Taliban rule are key contributors to economic stagnation and investor mistrust in Afghanistan.
