Herat Exports 50 Tons of Jam and Pickles to the US Amid Economic Challenges
In a new development in Herat’s food industry, a local manufacturing company has, for the first time, successfully exported a 50-ton shipment of assorted jams and pickles to the United States. According to the company’s director, the shipment is valued at $30,000.
The factory has created job opportunities for 80 local residents and is planning to expand its export markets. Company officials stated that additional shipments will be sent to several European countries next month. This move comes at a time when export opportunities in Afghanistan remain extremely limited, particularly under the challenging conditions imposed by the Taliban administration.
Meanwhile, the Herat Chamber of Commerce and Investment announced that the province’s exports have reached approximately $60 million over the past eight months—three times higher than the same period last year. This surge in exports is considered significant, especially amid ongoing economic restrictions, lack of government support, and inadequate infrastructure.
In official statements, Herat’s local government has echoed routine claims that supporting domestic products, facilitating exports, and expanding access to global markets are among its priorities. However, experts argue that such achievements largely stem from individual and private sector efforts rather than government initiatives. They point to the Taliban administration’s lack of international legitimacy and the intense economic pressure it faces, which have hindered sustainable economic development.
