The trade between Afghanistan and the countries of Central Asia expanded significantly in 2025, with imports increasing by 43% and exports surging by 77%, according to Afghanistan’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
The ministry reported that imports from Central Asian nations rose from $1.679billion in 2024 to $2.399 billion in 2025. During the same period, Afghan exports to the region increased from $122 million to $216 million, reflecting growing economic engagement between Afghanistan and its northern neighbours.Abdul Salam Jawad, spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, said the figures demonstrate a marked strengthening of Afghanistan’s commercial relations with Central Asia.
Business representatives attribute part of the increase to the expanded use of northern trade routes. Following disruptions and reduced trade flows through Pakistan, transportation services at Hairatan Port have been operating round the clock to facilitate growing cargo volumes.
Asadullah Asadi, head of the secretariat of Balkh Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said Afghanistan’s emergence as a key transit corridor in the region has played an important role in boosting trade activity.
Afghanistan’s principal imports from Central Asia include flour, wheat, vegetable oil, petroleum products, electricity, and chemical fertilizers. Its exports to the region primarily consist of dried fruits, cotton, non-alcoholic beverages, and mineral products.