Afghanistan seeks new trade routes amid border tensions
Afghanistan’s dried fruit exports reached $518 million over 10 months as border tensions with Pakistan halted trade flows. Closures at crossing points cost businesses $1 million a day after the military exchanges stopped 2,000 vehicles from passing between the countries, according to the Afghanistan-Pakistan Joint Chamber of Commerce.
Herat province increased dried fruit shipments by 130 percent this year, sending 14,000 tonnes valued at $40 million to international buyers. Almonds, pistachios, raisins and walnuts form the country’s leading export products as global markets seek Afghan produce.
The Taliban government searches for alternate shipping routes after Pakistan suspended transit operations. American sanctions against Iran complicate access to Chabahar port while security reviews keep Pakistani crossings closed.
Almond cultivation survives drought conditions in Daikundi province, providing income for farming families. The landlocked nation typically uses Karachi, Gwadar and Chabahar ports for overseas commerce.
