Afghanistan Maintains Trade in 2025 Via Iran and Central Asia

Afghanistan’s trade held steady in 2025 with the aid of supply routes through Iran and Central Asian nations, which offset disruptions on the Pakistani route, Reuters reports.

Exporters and importers in Afghanistan adapted their logistics amid tensions with Pakistan, turning to the Iranian port of Chabahar and overland routes through Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. Total foreign trade for 2025 reached nearly $13.9 bn, with exports accounting for about $1.8 bn and imports $12.1 bn.

India, Pakistan and Central Asian countries remained the main markets for Afghan goods. Key exports included dried fruits, coal, carpets, saffron and other agricultural products.

Imports were dominated by fuel, machinery, foodstuffs and industrial materials, mainly sourced from Iran, the UAE, China and neighbouring states.

Kursiv also reports that Uzbekistan’s Foreign Ministry has refuted news suggesting that the use of the Uzbek language in Afghanistan is being restricted.