Nearly 2,000 Afghan Doctors Working In Iran, Says Interior Ministry Adviser

The measure, part of a broader revision of US trade policy, imposes additional tariffs on several major trade partners and is expected to impact Afghanistan’s export economy.

According to the Taliban-controlled National Statistics and Information Authority, Afghanistan exported $5.7 million worth of goods to the United States between March 2023 and March 2024. These exports included traditional Afghan products such as handwoven carpets, saffron, dried figs, snuff, brooms, kites, and other cultural and agricultural goods.

The annual report detailed the scale and value of these exports. Afghanistan exported approximately 13,000 square metres of carpets, worth $1 million. It also exported 500 kilograms of saffron valued at $530,000, 108,000 kilograms of dried figs worth $280,000, and 16,000 kilograms of betel leaves with a value of $130,000. A smaller quantity of dried garlic, 19 kilograms in total, was valued at just $41. Additional exports included 5,000 kilograms of construction materials worth $20,000 and kites valued at $100.

In addition to these, Afghanistan’s exports to the United States encompassed a wide range of goods such as quroot (dried cheese), honey, rosewater, tobacco, minerals, mint, felt, plastic bags, clay utensils, medicinal herbs, confectionery, laundry soap, henna, asafoetida, almonds, almond kernels, prunes, mulberries, apricots, and apples.

During the same period, the United States exported $23.4 million worth of goods to Afghanistan, resulting in a trade deficit of $17.7 million for Afghanistan.

Data from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative indicates that US exports to Afghanistan in 2024 dropped significantly to $11.4 million, marking a 76.9 percent decrease (equivalent to $38.2 million) from 2023. Meanwhile, U.S. imports from Afghanistan rose to $22.6 million, reflecting a 13.2 percent increase (or $2.6 million) from the previous year.

This shift in trade flow has led to a reversal in the U.S. trade balance with Afghanistan. In 2023, the United States held a trade surplus of $29.7 million with Afghanistan, but in 2024 that turned into a deficit of $11.1 million.

In 2022, Afghanistan’s exports to the United States were valued at $5.3 million, while U.S. exports to Afghanistan reached $34.7 million, creating a trade deficit of $29.4 million for Afghanistan.

According to the current US tariff schedule, Afghan goods exported to the United States are now subject to a 49 percent customs duty. The total trade volume between the two countries in 2024 is estimated at $34 million.

On Wednesday, the Treasury revealed that the brothers supported Sa’id al-Jamal, a senior Houthi financial figure, in securing millions of dollars’ worth of weapons, sensitive goods, and “stolen Ukrainian grain” from Russia. No additional details on the brothers’ activities were disclosed.

Al-Jamal, a Yemeni businessman based in Iran, is under US sanctions for allegedly providing financial and logistical backing to the Houthis, whom the US labels a “global terrorist” group.

US Treasury official Scott Bessent stated: “The Houthis depend on Sa’id al-Jamal and his network to obtain critical supplies for their terrorist war machine. Today’s action reaffirms our resolve to curb the Houthis’ destabilising regional threats.”

In recent weeks, the US has ramped up efforts against the Houthis, with the military conducting multiple airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.

In an official statement, One World Media congratulated Afghanistan International TV on its nomination and confirmed that the network will advance to the final judging stage of the competition.

The organisation revealed that it received 559 entries this year across 13 categories from more than 100 countries. The Press Freedom Award recognises exceptional journalism that makes a significant impact, particularly in challenging environments. Winners will be announced in June 2025.

On its website, One World Media praised the diversity and depth of the entries: “Our judges have spent countless hours reviewing powerful and thought-provoking stories — ones that challenge stereotypes, reshape narratives, and build connections across borders. From Afghanistan and Argentina to China, Fiji, India, Gaza, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sweden, Yemen — and so many more — the stories of people across the globe are represented in our longlist.”

Afghanistan International TV has gained recognition for its fearless reporting on human rights, press freedom, and political developments within and beyond Afghanistan, often in the face of severe restrictions and threats to journalists.

A White House official confirmed the 10 percent tariff would take effect from early morning.

According to the US government’s tariff schedule, American exports to Afghanistan face a 49 precent customs duty. Trade data shows the 2024 US-Afghanistan trade volume reached approximately $34.0 million. US exports to Afghanistan dropped to $11.4 million, a 76.9 precent decline ($38.2 million) from 2023, while imports from Afghanistan rose to $22.6 million, up 13.2 percent ($2.6 million). This shifted the US trade balance with Afghanistan from a $29.7 million surplus in 2023 to an $11.1 million deficit in 2024.

On 2 April, Trump signed an executive order enacting the tariffs, dubbing it “American Economic Independence Day.” He claimed the move would boost domestic production, promising “stronger competition and lower consumer prices.” “Jobs and factories will come roaring back—you’re already seeing it. We’ll supercharge our industrial base, open foreign markets, and dismantle trade barriers,” he stated.

On 13 February 2025, Trump had ordered his economic team to develop a reciprocal tariff plan targeting countries imposing duties on US imports, laying the groundwork for this policy.

He outlined how disputes over the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), girls’ education bans, Pakistan relations, and governance are driving the divide.

Haqqani Network and TTP Ties

Haq highlighted the Haqqani Network’s historical links to North Waziristan and Pakistan’s tribal areas, noting their role in hosting TTP during the Taliban’s fight against foreign and Afghan forces, with backing from Pakistan and the ISI. However, he argued the Haqqanis remain distinct within the Taliban: “Loya Paktia under Haqqani control was never forcibly integrated into the Kandahar-dominated Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA). Instead, they partnered with the IEA, retaining autonomy.”

He contrasted the Haqqanis’ pragmatic outlook—forged since the Soviet war and open to engagement with Pakistan, the ISI, and the US—with Kandahar’s more rigid stance.

TTP Dispute

The general explained that Kandahar views TTP as a destabilising force threatening Kabul-Pakistan ties, yet lacks the will or ability to curb it due to Haqqani influence. Conversely, the Haqqanis see TTP as a “reserve force” for potential internal conflicts. Haq linked Sirajuddin Haqqani’s recent absence and foreign trips to his frustration with Kandahar, writing: “While keen to address TTP issues with Pakistan, the Haqqanis are unwilling to relinquish TTP’s military potential.”

Taliban Unity at Risk

The Express Tribune, seen as aligned with Pakistan’s military, noted that maintaining Taliban cohesion is increasingly difficult. During Sirajuddin Haqqani’s absence, Kandahar deployed forces to Haqqani-controlled border regions, asserting dominance. Meanwhile, the Haqqanis pursue independent ties with regional and Western nations, risking further estrangement from Kandahar.

Pakistan’s Strategy

Haq recommended a multi-pronged approach for Pakistan: sustained religious diplomacy with Kandahar, international efforts under the Doha Agreement, discreet military action on both sides of the border, a firm domestic anti-terrorism stance, and an exit route for the Haqqanis from their predicament.

Future Warning

He cautioned that unresolved TTP tensions could exhaust Pakistan’s patience, destabilising the region. Haq hinted at a potential anti-Taliban coalition of ex-mujahideen, disaffected Taliban members, and remnants of the prior Afghan government, warning: “Kabul may witness another power shift.”