KABUL, Afghanistan — Afghanistan’s exports increased by $61 million in October compared to the previous month, according to the Taliban-controlled National Statistics and Information Authority.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the authority said the total value of Afghanistan’s exports reached $234.9 million in October, up from $173.9 million in September.
Imports also on the rise
The report noted a significant rise in imports as well. Afghanistan’s total imports for October surged by $186.8 million, reaching $1.14 billion compared to $954.1 million in September.
Pakistani media reported Tuesday that Afghanistan’s imports from Pakistan grew by 2% over the past four months.
The most notable increase was in sugar imports, which rose 15-fold during the same period.
According to Pakistani media, Afghanistan imported $91.69 million worth of sugar from Pakistan in the first four months of this fiscal year, compared to $5.93 million during the same period last year.
Afghanistan’s primary export destinations include India, the United Arab Emirates, and Pakistan, the statistics office reported.
Despite the reported growth, Afghanistan’s traders continue to express frustration with high customs tariffs and logistical challenges in the export process.
The release of these figures comes amid a fragile economic environment, with Afghanistan’s foreign trade heavily influenced by domestic restrictions and international sanctions.
