Exports To Afghanistan Fall 56 Percent, Says Pakistan Central Bank
Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan fell by about 56 percent in the first half of the 2026 fiscal year, the State Bank of Pakistan said in its latest report.
Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan fell by about 56 percent in the first half of the 2026 fiscal year, the State Bank of Pakistan said in its latest report.
The value of exports to Afghanistan during the period stood at $219.489 million, down from $505.818 million in the same period a year earlier, according to the central bank. Imports from Afghanistan were reported at $6.321 million, also lower than in the previous fiscal year.
Pakistan and the Taliban in Afghanistan suspended trade activities following deadly border clashes in October 2025. Pakistan has halted all commercial activity, including exports, with Afghanistan since October 10, 2025.
Data from the State Bank of Pakistan showed the country’s trade deficit with nine neighbouring countries rose by 44 precent to $7.683 billion in the July–December period of the 2026 fiscal year.
The report said Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan, China, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Iran, Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives declined by 18.56 precent to $1.965 billion during the six-month period, compared with $2.413 billion in the same period last year. The sharpest drop in exports was recorded to China, followed by Afghanistan and Bangladesh.
Relations between Pakistan and the Taliban authorities became strained in October 2025 following Pakistani airstrikes on Kabul and border areas of Afghanistan.
Traders in both countries, particularly in Pakistan, have repeatedly called for the reopening of border trade. Pakistani officials, however, say trade routes will remain closed until security concerns are addressed.
