Afghanistan Drops Out of Pakistan’s Top Export Markets After Trade Halt

Afghanistan disappeared from Pakistan’s list of top export destinations in December of fiscal year 2025-26 following the suspension of bilateral and transit trade, according to data from the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).

Afghanistan ranked eighth among Pakistan’s top export markets in FY25 after registering 31 percent growth in exports over FY24. The country exported $1.3 billion worth of goods in FY25 compared with $1 billion a year earlier.

In October last year, Pakistan suspended trade with Afghanistan after accusing Kabul of failing to act against militants operating from Afghan soil who were allegedly involved in attacks on law enforcement agencies and civilians in Pakistan.

During the July–December period of the current fiscal year, Afghanistan was Pakistan’s 12th-largest export market. However, exports fell 55 per cent to $336 million from $754 million in the same period last year.

TDAP’s monthly export performance data lists countries such as the US, China, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Sri Lanka and several Central Asian and European markets as Pakistan’s key buyers, while Afghanistan remained absent.

The development marks a sharp reversal from previous years, when Afghanistan consistently ranked among Pakistan’s top export markets, particularly for food items, textiles, cement, pharmaceuticals and construction materials.

Traders from Balochistan have complained about significant losses following the suspension of trade with Afghanistan. “With Afghan importers increasingly turning to alternative suppliers in Iran, Central Asia and other neighbouring markets, Pakistan risks losing market share even after trade routes reopen,” a businessman from Balochistan, who exported cooking oil to Afghanistan before the border closure, told The News on Monday.