Afghan Trade Hits Crisis Point as $6 Billion in Imports Remain Blocked in Pakistan

Afghan Trade Hits Crisis Point as $6 Billion in Imports Remain Blocked in Pakistan
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Afghanistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Investment said Wednesday that Afghan imports worth an estimated $6 billion to $6.5 billion have been stranded at Pakistani ports and border crossings for more than six weeks, Amu TV reported. Chamber board member Khan Jan Alokozay said over 11,500 shipping containers of commercial goods, previously moving through Karachi and border points such as Torkham and Spin Boldak, have been stuck for 47 days.

Alokozay warned that many goods are deteriorating and exceeding shelf-life limits, resulting in losses estimated at nearly $2 million per day for traders in both countries. The chamber reported that businesses have already incurred roughly $100 million in penalties and spoilage-related damages.

Economic analysts say the prolonged bottleneck, coupled with rising food prices and shrinking imports, threatens to worsen Afghanistan’s already fragile humanitarian situation.

The trade freeze coincides with escalating tensions between Islamabad and the Taliban, including reported Pakistani airstrikes this week in Khost, Kunar and Paktika provinces. Taliban officials said at least 10 civilians were killed, though Pakistan has not confirmed the attacks.

The blockade marks a sharp reversal after a period of growing commercial activity. A July 2025 assessment showed bilateral trade rising 25% in the 2024–2025 fiscal year to nearly $1.998 billion. Pakistani exports reached about $1.391 billion, while Afghanistan’s exports totaled roughly $607 million.

Afghan exports had climbed steadily from about $531 million in 2018 to nearly $691 million by 2023–24. However, more recent data for the first quarter of 2025–26 shows a 6% decline in bilateral trade, reflecting mounting strain on a corridor long considered critical to both economies.