Trade Between Afghanistan & Pakistan Declines In First Half Of 2025

Trade between Kabul and Islamabad fell during the first half of 2025, according to data from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce, reported by local media on Monday.

The trade volume stood at USD 1.108 billion during this period, down from over USD 1.117 billion during the same period in 2024.

Spokesperson Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad of the Taliban-led Ministry of Industry and Commerce said Afghanistan’s major exports to Pakistan included coal, cotton, processed talc stone, mung beans, cucumbers, beans, tobacco, and lentils. The country imported rice, cement, medical supplies, various types of clothing, and potatoes from Pakistan.

Afghanistan Calls to Strengthen Ties

Afghanistan’s Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock highlighted the importance of strengthening economic ties with Pakistan due to Afghanistan’s dependence on export transit routes through its neighbour.

Chamber Chief Executive Wasim Safi urged both nations to establish strong trade relations to benefit Afghanistan’s economy.

Tensions between the two countries escalated after Pakistan threatened military action if border security talks with the Taliban failed. Pakistan’s State Minister for Interior, Talal Chaudhry, warned that Islamabad would respond with the “language of bullets” if cross-border terrorism persists, according to Afghanistan-based Khaama Press.

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

He emphasised that the government is considering strict border control measures to stop infiltration and stressed that stability and security are essential for development.

Analysts say that ongoing security issues and cross-border tensions could further impact trade between the two neighbouring countries, making collaboration on economic and security matters critical for regional stability.

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