Afghanistan seeks new trade routes, relies more on Chabahar amid strained ties with Pakistan
Kabul, Nov. 15 – Afghanistan is shifting its trade focus from Pakistan toward Iran and Central Asia, officials say, as border fights with the north‑west neighbour rise.
The move comes after the Taliban‑run government’s commerce ministry warned that the usual crossing into Pakistan has been battering traders. A spokesman, Abdul Salam Jawad Akhundzada, told local media that in the last six months Kabul turned to Iran for $1.6 billion of trade—more than the $1.1 billion it once had with Pakistan.
Akhundzada said the new Chabahar port in southeastern Iran, built in partnership with India, is cutting delays. Traders feel confident that shipments will keep moving even when Afghan‑Pakistani borders shut.
“Ira dà exchange so the condition is safer for traders, and we have less risk of lost cargo,” Akhundzada added.
The turbulence at the Afghanistan‑Pakistan frontier has cost traders about $1 million a day, estimates a joint Chamber of Commerce figure. Khan Jan Alokozai told Pajhwok Afghan News that roughly 2,000 vehicles crossed the border each day before the border posts closed last week. Fresh produce—fruits and vegetables—”poison the bottom line,” Alokozai said, because damaged goods can’t be sold.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s economy is showing a tiny spark. Dried fruit exports—almonds, pistachios, raisins, dried apricots and walnuts—have become a bright line on the country’s trade ledger. These items are now heading to new markets such as India via the Chabahar route.
Last month, Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi highlighted Chabahar at a press briefing in New Delhi. He said the Indian‑backed port offers a “good trade route” that can help the country sidestep Pakistan. He urged India and the United States to ease sanctions that block deeper cooperation.
“Chabahar is a gateway to the Arabian Sea and beyond,” Muttaqi said. “We can use it to export dried fruits, saffron and handicrafts to India and further afield, once the obstacles between us are resolved.”
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