Freight Traffic Between Afghanistan and Iran Increases by 29% in First Half of the Year

According to local officials in Iran’s Khorasan Razavi Province, traffic between Dogharoon and Islam Qala has seen a significant increase during the first six months of this year. Mahdi Rajabi, the political and social deputy governor of Taybad, stated that 146,404 cargo vehicles from various countries have traveled this route during this period. Notably, the highest daily volume was recorded on the 5th of Asad (July 27), with 1,384 trucks passing through the border.

Based on official statistics, more than 471,000 tons of goods were exported to Afghanistan via the Dogharoon border in the same timeframe. This figure marks a 30 percent increase compared to the first half of last year, with the total value estimated at approximately 596 million dollars. While these numbers indicate growth in trade between the two countries, many analysts believe that this economic exchange is overshadowed by limitations and policies imposed by the Taliban administration, which have weakened Afghan traders’ transparent and equitable access to Afghanistan’s markets.

In addition to exports, approximately 858,000 tons of foreign goods worth over 2.467 billion dollars were transit through Dogharoon heading towards Afghanistan. This route is considered one of the main economic arteries on Iran’s eastern borders, but the lack of transparent management frameworks by the Taliban administration poses a serious threat to the sustainability of this trade growth.

Existing data shows that nearly 3,000 people, including drivers, passengers, traders, and service employees, cross this border terminal daily. It is also reported that more than one million individuals officially pass through this crossing annually, despite political developments under Taliban rule making border controls difficult for Afghans.