The Ministry of Industry and Trade of Taliban-led Afghanistan announced that in the first nine months of 2025, trade with China reached $745 million, while Afghan exports accounted for only $18 million, Tolonews reports.
According to Ahundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, most of Afghanistan’s exports to China consist of black pine nuts, dried apricots, and precious and semi-precious stones. Imports from China exceeded $727 million, including cotton fabrics, solar panels, electronic equipment, and industrial raw materials.
Some Afghan traders note that transit issues and high air transport costs limit export growth. Trader Mahbubulla Mohammadi stressed that the lack of direct export agreements and the high cost of logistics significantly reduce shipments to the Chinese market.
Former head of the Trade and Investment Chamber, Azarkhash Hafizi, highlighted the need for direct trade routes with China, emphasizing that competitive Afghan products could find strong demand in the world’s second-largest economy.
China remains a key trading partner for Afghanistan, and the ministry is actively working to expand exports of agricultural and mineral products to China.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
November 4, 2025