Iranian Imports From Afghanistan Rise by Around 850 Percent

Since the start of the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran, Afghanistan’s exports to Iran have increased significantly.

The governor of Iran’s South Khorasan province told Iranian media that because Afghan goods are close to Iranian markets, imports from Afghanistan have risen by around 850 percent in recent months.

Seyed Mohammad Reza Hashemi, governor of South Khorasan, said: “Since the beginning of the war, imports from Afghanistan to the Islamic Republic of Iran have increased by 864 percent.”

Mohammad Yousuf Amin, executive director of the Herat Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said: “Afghanistan’s exports to Iran have increased, and we mostly export minerals, beverages, dried fruits, medicinal plants, and cotton to Iran.”

A large portion of Afghanistan’s exports to Iran are produced in Herat’s industrial park.

The Herat Chamber of Industries and Mines says the province has strong potential to further increase exports to Iran.

Abdul Naser Amin, head of the Herat Chamber of Industries and Mines, said: “We have many products that can be exported to Iran. Iran imports many of its needs from China, but now that routes are closed, the country can import some Afghan products instead of Chinese goods.”

Afghanistan and Iran are major trading partners, and a large portion of Afghanistan’s market needs are imported from Iran.

The increase in Afghan exports to Iran is considered important for balancing trade between the two countries.

Economic analyst Azizullah Samat said: “Given that Iran is facing import restrictions from other countries, an opportunity has been created for Afghanistan’s exports. Afghanistan needs to establish laws, policies, and regulations in its trade and export relations with neighboring countries to expand these opportunities and benefits.”

During the 40-day war by the United States and Israel against Iran, the borders between Afghanistan and Iran remained open, and hundreds of cargo trucks traveled between the two countries every day.

With border routes between Afghanistan and Pakistan remaining closed, a large portion of imported goods, especially raw materials for industrial factories, are being imported from Iran.