Afghanistan and Pakistan discuss reducing tariffs on Afghan exports

Officials from the Ministries of Commerce and Industry of Afghanistan and Pakistan have held bilateral talks in Islamabad to discuss reducing tariffs on several Afghan export goods.

The discussions aimed to boost trade, improve transit facilities, and enhance bilateral economic cooperation between Kabul and Islamabad.

According to a statement from Afghanistan’s Ministry Commerce, the Islamic Emirate’s delegation, led by the Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, met with senior officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of

Commerce to explore effective strategies for removing existing barriers to trade.

Abdul Salam Jawad Akhundzada, spokesperson for the Ministry Commerce and Industry, said the two sides discussed lowering tariffs on key Afghan export items as part of a broader effort to increase Afghanistan’s exports to Pakistan.

The Ministry expressed optimism that the negotiations would result in a formal agreement between the two neighboring countries, with implementation expected in the near future. Such measures are anticipated to positively impact Afghan traders and manufacturers by facilitating easier and more competitive access to the Pakistani market.

Earlier, the Ministry had reported that bilateral trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan had approached the $1 billion mark in the first half of 2025. Of this, Afghan exports to Pakistan accounted for $277 million.

The talks reflect a growing effort by both nations to strengthen economic ties and create a more favorable environment for cross-border trade.