Afghan Dried Fruit Exports Grow as Global Demand Increases
The Herat Chamber of Commerce and Investment says that 3,140 metric tons of dried fruit have been exported from Afghanistan to various countries over the past two months.
The exports were valued at $7.6 million.
Mohammad Yousuf Amin, Executive Director of the Herat Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said: “Dried fruits have been exported to Iraq, Austria, the United Arab Emirates, neighboring countries, and several European countries. The exports include raisins, almonds, pistachios, dried figs, watermelon seeds, and other dried fruits.”
Afghan dried fruits are currently sold in around 20 countries worldwide, with the number of buyers increasing as product quality and packaging improve.
Exporter Mohammad Usman Ansari said: “In previous years, Afghan dried fruits were exported in sacks and packaged abroad. Now, traders in Herat package these products in a high-quality and professional manner, which has gained acceptance in international markets.”
Another exporter, Mehdi Akrami, said: “Afghanistan’s dried fruit exports are increasing every year. A few years ago, we exported to only five or six countries, but now our products reach nearly 20 countries.”
The Herat Chamber of Commerce and Investment says the country’s dried fruit exports have increased by 5% compared to last year.
Despite the growth, Afghanistan’s share of the global dried fruit market remains relatively small.
Economic analyst Nazir Ahmad Sadid said: “Afghan dried fruits have become one of the world’s important traded commodities, but challenges remain. Today, consumers do not buy only the product; they also value packaging, credibility, branding, and marketing. This is one of the reasons why Afghanistan’s share of the market is smaller than that of major exporters such as Türkiye, Iran, the United States, China, and Uzbekistan.”
With its four distinct seasons and favorable climate, Afghanistan is considered well-suited for dried fruit production.
Most of the country’s dried fruits are produced organically in orchards and agricultural areas, making them attractive to international buyers.
