According to sources, Afghanistan’s trade remained strong in 2025, even though repeated closures of key border crossings with Pakistan disrupted business. Data from the Ministry of Commerce shows that exporters and importers, facing growing difficulties, began relying more on alternative routes through Iran and Central Asia.
This trade stability was seen at a time when tensions with Islamabad affected long standing transit routes, which have traditionally been Afghanistan’s main access to seaports as a landlocked country. In response, traders increased the movement of goods through Iran’s Chabahar port and expanded overland trade through Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan. This helped reduce the impact of delays and political uncertainty.
According to Ministry of Commerce sources, Afghanistan’s total trade in 2025, meaning the combined value of exports and imports, rose to about 13.9 billion dollars. Exports were estimated at around 1.8 billion dollars, close to last year’s level, while imports increased to just over 12.1 billion dollars.
India, Pakistan, and several Central Asian countries remained among Afghanistan’s major markets. Key exports included dried fruits, coal, carpets, saffron, and agricultural products. Imports mainly consisted of fuel, machinery, food supplies, and industrial raw materials, most of which came from Iran, the United Arab Emirates, China, and other neighboring countries.
After border closures and security related issues, Afghanistan has stepped up efforts to reduce its dependence on Pakistan. Although Pakistan remains the shortest route to the sea, Afghan officials say that diversifying trade corridors has helped keep business running, even as relations with the eastern neighbor remain tense.
