ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Pakistan’s sugar exports to Afghanistan soared nearly 15 times in the first four months of the current fiscal year, contributing to a 29 percent increase in overall trade between the two neighbors, according to Pakistani media reports on Tuesday.
From July to October 2024, trade between the two countries climbed to $703.15 million, compared to $544.37 million in the same period last year.
Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan rose by more than half, reaching $450.14 million from $298.65 million during the same four-month period in 2023. Imports from Afghanistan grew modestly, rising to $253.01 million from $245.72 million.
On a monthly basis, trade increased 19 percent from $194 million in September to $231 million in October, Pakistani media reported.
Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan saw a small rise, increasing by $2 million to $130 million in October. However, imports from Afghanistan grew significantly, jumping by 52 percent from $67 million in September to $101 million in October.
Key export drivers
The sharpest growth was in sugar exports, which reached $91.69 million during the July-October period, up from just $5.93 million in the same period last year. Other key export categories showed strong growth:
Malt Extract: Increased sevenfold, rising from $1.54 million to $10.91 million.
Maize/Corn: Nearly quadrupled, growing from $1.55 million to $5.95 million.
Machinery and Tractors: Exports rose by 150 percent and 78 percent, respectively.
Rice and Pharmaceuticals: Gained 52 percent and 48 percent, respectively.
Rubber, Motorcycles, Wood Products, and Cement: Registered increases ranging from 30 to 69 percent.
The surge in trade, particularly in sugar, reflects growing economic interdependence between Pakistan and Afghanistan amid persistent regional challenges. Rising demand for essential goods and industrial materials highlights Pakistan’s increasing influence in Afghanistan’s import markets.
