Key Points

Trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan has seen a decline in the first half of 2025, with trade volume dropping slightly. The Taliban-led Afghan Ministry highlights ongoing challenges in maintaining trade exchanges. Pakistan threatens military action if border talks with the Taliban fail to stop terrorism. Afghanistan's Chamber of Agriculture advocates for improved economic ties to leverage its strategic transit routes.

Key Points: Kabul Islamabad Trade Decline Amid 2025 Border Tensions

  • Trade value drops from $1.117 billion to $1.108 billion
  • Pakistan considers using force if border talks with Taliban fail
  • Afghanistan exports coal, cotton, and beans to Pakistan
  • Chamber stresses need for stronger economic ties
2 min read

Trade between Afghanistan, Pakistan witnesses decline in first half of 2025

Trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan drops in 2025 amid Taliban border tensions and economic challenges.

"Efforts must be made to establish good trade ties. - Wasim Safi"

Kabul, Sep 29

Trade between Kabul and Islamabad has reduced during the first half of 2025, according to Afghanistan's Ministry of Industry and Commerce data, local media reported on Monday.

As per the data, trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan stood at USD 1.108 billion during this period in 2025, while the trade during the same period last year was over $1.117 billion, Afghanistan-based Tolo News reported.

Pakistan is seen as one of Afghanistan's largest regional trading partners. However, ongoing challenges in trade exchanges have resulted in a reduction of trade volume between the two nations.

Taliban-led Ministry of Industry and Commerce spokesperson Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad said, "The major export items to Pakistan included coal, cotton, processed talc stone, mung beans, cucumbers, beans, tobacco, and lentils. Major imports consisted of rice, cement, medical supplies, various types of clothing, and potatoes."

Considering Afghanistan's geographical location and reliance on export transit routes through Pakistan, Afghanistan's Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock stressed the need to boost economic ties between the two nations.

Afghanistan's Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock Chief Executive Wasim Safi stressed that efforts must be made to establish good trade ties so that the country would benefit from it.

On Saturday, Pakistan threatened the Taliban with force if there is a failure in ongoing border security talks.

Pakistan's State Minister for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, has threatened that Islamabad will respond with the "language of bullets" if talks with the Taliban do not stop cross-border terrorism, Afghanistan-based Khaama Press reported.

While speaking at a press conference in Islamabad on Saturday, Chaudhry said that nearly 80 per cent of terrorists involved in recent attacks that are happening in Pakistan were Afghan nationals.

He stressed that stringent border control steps were being considered to stop infiltration. He mentioned that Pakistan was determined to remove all security threats and called stability and security essential for development.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Interesting to see the trade composition - Afghanistan exporting agricultural products while importing manufactured goods. This pattern reflects the economic realities of both nations. Hope they can work out their differences for mutual benefit.
A
Aman W
The security concerns are valid, but threatening military action will only worsen the situation. Both countries should focus on confidence-building measures first. Trade benefits everyone in the region.
S
Sarah B
From an Indian perspective, we should watch this development closely. Regional stability affects all neighboring countries. Maybe this creates opportunities for India to strengthen trade ties with Afghanistan through alternative routes.
V
Vikram M
The 80% statistic about Afghan nationals involved in attacks seems quite high. While security is important, such statements can fuel xenophobia. Both governments need to verify facts and work together constructively.
M
Michael C
The trade decline is relatively small (about 0.8%), but the political tensions could cause much larger disruptions. Hope cooler heads prevail and they find a way to separate trade from security issues.

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