Taliban Raises Import Tariffs Amid Challenging Economic Conditions

Taliban Raises Import Tariffs Amid Challenging Economic Conditions
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Afghanistan’s Finance Ministry has announced steep increases in customs tariffs on several imported goods to encourage domestic production and cut reliance on imports, Amu reported. The decision, made during a Tariff Committee meeting attended by Taliban representatives from key ministries, raises duties on four main categories of goods.

Import tariffs on rebar will nearly double from 16% to 30%, while natural cotton will face a new 20% duty, up from 3.5%. Tariffs on baby diapers and sanitary pads will rise from 10% to 20%. Duties on leather shoes increase from 10% to 20% and on plastic footwear from 20% to 30%.
The duty on pressure-based paint remains unchanged at 16%.

Taliban officials say the measures aim to protect emerging local industries and support economic self-sufficiency. However, Afghan traders have voiced concerns, describing the tariffs as burdensome and unpredictable at a time when businesses already struggle under challenging economic conditions.