Pakistan-Afghanistan Trade Sees Gradual Improvement, Reaches $143 Million In August

Bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan has shown steady improvement, with the latest figures indicating that the trade volume reached $143 million in August 2025, marking a 4 percent increase compared to July.

According to official data, Pakistan's imports from Afghanistan stood at $55 million in August, up 16 percent from $37 million in July and 50 percent higher compared to the same month last year. On the other hand, Pakistan's exports to Afghanistan recorded a decline, falling by 13 percent year-on-year and 1 percent on a monthly basis.

President of the Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce, Khan Jan Alokozai, attributed the rise in Afghan exports to Pakistan's reduction of certain taxes and the reopening of trade routes. He said the improved conditions in August benefitted Afghan exporters.

Also Read: Landmine Blast Kills Man, Injures Son in Kurram

While traders have welcomed the progress, they continue to demand further facilitation. Afghan trader Umeed Haidari said Pakistan should reduce taxes to the minimum and sign trade and transit agreements with Afghanistan to build mutual trust.

Similarly, Vice President of the Afghan Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock, Mirowais Haji Zada, stressed the urgent need for railway infrastructure to enable Afghan products to reach other countries more efficiently.

The Afghan Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock also acknowledged that trade challenges have eased to some extent, with Afghanistan currently exporting fresh and dried fruits to Pakistan via Torkham, Ghulam Khan, and Dand Patan crossings.

Experts believe the trend reflects an encouraging sign for bilateral trade relations and, with the right measures, Pakistan-Afghanistan trade could further expand, positively impacting the regional economy.?

MENAFN25092025000189011041ID1110110283