Afghanistan’s Exports Rise Despite Border Closures with Pakistan

The World Bank has reported a 13 percent increase in Afghanistan’s exports in October of the current fiscal year compared to September, despite ongoing border closures with Pakistan. According to the bank’s latest monthly report, Afghan traders have successfully rerouted their export lines toward India and Uzbekistan.

The international financial institution attributed the surge in exports to growing demand for Afghan agricultural products in neighboring countries. The report highlights that food exports in October reached $238.4 million, marking an 8.6 percent year-on-year increase. Additionally, during the first seven months of the 2025 fiscal year, food exports rose by more than 22 percent compared to the same period last year.

However, the World Bank confirmed a significant decline in coal exports due to closed trade routes with Pakistan. This drop underscores the Taliban administration’s failure to implement effective measures to ensure stable trade pathways.

The report also notes that Afghanistan’s total exports in the first seven months of the 2025 fiscal year reached approximately $1.1 billion—reflecting a 10 percent annual growth. Among export destinations, India remained the top importer, accounting for 50 percent of Afghanistan’s total exports in October alone.

On the import side, Afghanistan’s imports in October rose 2 percent compared to September, with monthly imports exceeding $1.1 billion. Over the first seven months of the fiscal year, total imports amounted to $7.6 billion, demonstrating a 21 percent year-on-year increase. Notably, imports of raw materials surged by 45 percent, which the World Bank sees as a potential sign of expanding industrial and manufacturing activity.

The World Bank also pointed to several ongoing pressures on Afghanistan’s economy, including the return of Afghan migrants from Iran and Pakistan, earthquakes in the north and east, frequent disruptions to internet and telecommunications services, and shifting regional cooperation priorities. These challenges have put existing economic opportunities at risk, especially in the absence of international recognition for the Taliban-led government.