In the first eight months of the solar year 1403, Afghanistan conducted trade exchanges worth 8.363 billion dollars with regional countries, of which exports accounted for 1.172 billion dollars and imports totaled 7.191 billion dollars.

These figures demonstrate Afghanistan’s continued reliance on imports. Despite importing goods valued at 7.191 billion dollars, the country’s exports only reached 1.172 billion dollars. This situation highlights a significant trade imbalance, posing a major challenge to Afghanistan’s efforts toward economic self-sufficiency.

The main export items from Afghanistan include fresh and dried fruits, cotton, henna, coal, and several other products. The majority of Afghanistan’s exports have been directed to countries such as Pakistan, India, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, China, Turkey, Iraq, and Tajikistan.

On the other hand, major imports into Afghanistan consist of petroleum products, flour, rice, vehicle parts, machinery, cotton textiles, liquefied gas, and cement. These imports indicate a strong dependence on foreign goods to meet domestic needs.

To create a balance between exports and imports, Afghanistan needs to undertake several measures. These include diversifying export products by identifying new global markets for agricultural and mineral goods, expanding trade and transit agreements through multilateral arrangements with regional countries, strengthening domestic production by supporting farmers and providing facilities for industrial and commercial sectors, and managing imports by limiting goods that can be produced domestically and increasing tariffs on such items.

Afghanistan should develop new markets for its agricultural products in Central Asian countries. Additionally, improvements in transportation facilities, including water and road routes, are essential. Access to markets such as Moscow and Kazakhstan should be prioritized through specific mechanisms within the country’s trade policy framework.

The trade value of 8.363 billion dollars between Afghanistan and regional countries marks a significant achievement. However, the high level of imports and the resulting trade deficit indicate an urgent need for policy reforms to increase exports and strengthen domestic production.