ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has experienced a notable uptick in the export of goods and services to Afghanistan, with a growth rate of 9.10% recorded during the first five months of the current fiscal year (2023-24). According to data from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the overall exports to Afghanistan reached US $232.697 million from July to November 2023, compared to US $213.282 million in the corresponding period of the previous year.
On a year-to-year basis, the exports to Afghanistan witnessed a substantial surge of 39.30%, reflecting increased economic activities between the two nations. In November 2023 alone, exports stood at US $51.911 million, a significant rise from US $37.263 million in November 2022.
While there was a marginal 0.50% month-on-month decline in exports to Afghanistan during November 2023 compared to October 2023, the overall trend showcases a positive trajectory. The growth in exports to Afghanistan contributed to Pakistan’s overall export performance, which saw a 4.99% increase in the first five months of the fiscal year, reaching US $12.510 billion.
Conversely, Pakistan experienced a notable decline in imports from Afghanistan during the same period, witnessing a 72.34% decrease from US $11.523 million to US $3.187 million. Despite a 52.72% month-on-month increase in imports from Afghanistan in November 2023, the overall imports into Pakistan decreased by 16.02%, reaching US $21.281 billion.
The trade dynamics between Pakistan and Afghanistan continue to evolve, reflecting the economic interdependence and collaborative efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.
