Afghanistan’s $538 Million Trade with Russia Skewed Heavily Towards Imports
The Taliban’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce has announced that the total trade volume between Afghanistan and Russia has reached $538 million annually. Of this amount, only $4 million accounts for Afghan exports, while the remaining $534 million consists of imports from Russia. This data highlights a significant trade imbalance heavily favoring Russia.
Abdus Salam Jawad, the ministry’s spokesperson, stated on Tuesday that Afghanistan exports both food and non-food items to Russia, but the bulk of imports from Russia are fuel products. According to him, oil and gas hold the largest share in Afghanistan’s imports from Russia.
In September 2022 (Sembel 1401 in the Solar Hijri calendar), the Taliban administration signed an initial agreement with Russia to import petrol, diesel, gas, and wheat. This agreement came as Afghanistan faced fuel shortages and rising energy prices, increasing its reliance on imports.
According to official Taliban sources, during the first eight months of 2025 (year 1404 Solar Hijri), the trade volume between the two countries was $366 million. Despite the growing trade, the composition of this trade continues to favor Russian exports.
Afghanistan’s exports to Russia remain limited and include raisins, apricots, cotton, certain minerals, and similar items. In contrast, Afghanistan imports wheat, flour, gas, petroleum products, diesel, wood, and sunflower oil from Russia.
Economic experts have previously emphasized that the ongoing trade imbalance could deepen the country’s economic dependence and highlight the urgent need for strategic planning to boost domestic production and expand export markets. This issue is expected to require a clear response in the Taliban administration’s economic policies.
