The bilateral trade between Pakistan and Afghanistan has risen by 44% to $1.36 billion in the first seven months of 2024-25 from $948.42 million in the same period last fiscal year.
This increase indicates strengthening economic ties and a higher volume of trade transactions between the two neighbouring countries.
According to Pakistan Customs data, Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan surged by 59%, rising from $568.91 million in 2023-24 to $905.76 million in 2024-25.
The main exported goods to Kabul include sugar, pharmaceutical products, cement, malt extract, machinery, and fruits and vegetables.
Pakistan exported $262.68 million worth of sugar in the first seven months of the current fiscal year, compared to $5.93 million in the same period last fiscal year. This represents a 4332% increase in sugar exports to Afghanistan.
The rise in exports suggests improved trade facilitation, growing economic activity, and possibly favorable policy measures encouraging cross-border commerce.
On the other hand, Pakistan’s imports from Afghanistan also saw an upward trend, increasing by 21%, from $379.51 million in 2023-24 to $461.06 million in 2024-25.
While the growth rate was lower compared to exports, the steady rise in imports highlights the continued inflow of Afghan products into Pakistan, such as fresh fruits, dried fruits, and coal.
Decline in Afghanistan Transit Trade
Pakistan Customs data available with Nukta also revealed a significant decline of 69% in the Afghanistan Transit Trade from July-January 2023-24, from $2,161 million to $677 million this year (2024-25).
Imports into Afghanistan through Pakistan dropped by 69%, from $2,119 million in 2023-24 to just $656 million in 2024-25. Exports from Afghanistan also saw a decrease of 60%, falling from $42 million to $21 million, Customs sources told.
It is pertinent to note that Pakistan has recently intensified its efforts to combat smuggling, particularly focusing on its role as a transit point for commercial imports to Afghanistan.
