Taliban Rule Has Boosted Trade With Iran, Says Iranian Official

Trade between Iran and Afghanistan has grown significantly since the Taliban’s return to power, according to Mahmoud Siadat, head of the Iran-Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce.

He attributes the increase to a notable decline in foreign interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs.

Speaking to local media, Siadat stated that prior to the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, foreign powers had hampered bilateral trade. However, with the group now in full control, he said many of those obstacles have dissipated.

“If the Taliban gain formal recognition from the international community, trade between the two countries could potentially reach $10 billion annually,” Siadat predicted.

He also cast doubt on recent claims by the Taliban’s Ministry of Commerce that bilateral trade has already reached $3 billion. Siadat called the figure inaccurate and inconsistent with data from Iranian customs authorities, which put the current trade volume at approximately $2.3 billion.

“There may be regulations in Afghanistan that affect the accuracy of the reported figures,” he said.

Siadat highlighted the role of the estimated three million Afghan migrants residing in Iran, noting that their presence has driven up domestic consumption of Iranian products. “Afghan migrants in Iran have developed a taste for Iranian goods, driving up demand,” he explained.

While he acknowledged that trade has generally improved under Taliban rule, Siadat also warned that Afghanistan’s move toward economic self-reliance, driven by the Taliban's focus on supporting domestic production, may eventually reduce the country’s reliance on Iranian imports.

Nevertheless, he acknowledged the severe economic challenges Afghanistan faces, particularly following the suspension of international aid after the Taliban takeover. He noted that many Afghan investors have fled the country due to social restrictions and the ban on girls’ education.

“Their departure has had a ripple effect on Iranian trade,” he said. “Many of these investors have transferred their capital to Iran and are now playing a key role in facilitating Iranian exports, not only to Afghanistan but also to markets in Australia, Africa, and Europe.”