KABUL— Iran’s non-oil exports to Afghanistan have seen substantial growth, increasing by 31% from March 20, 2024, to January 19, 2025, compared to the same period last year. According to Ruhollah Latifi, spokesperson for the Trade Development Committee of Iran’s House of Industry, Mining, and Trade, Iran exported non-oil goods valued at $1.972 billion to Afghanistan during this timeframe. This figure positions Afghanistan as Iran’s fourth-largest export destination among neighboring countries.
Last August, during discussions with the Iranian trade delegation, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, the Taliban’s deputy prime minister, articulated Afghanistan’s eagerness to attract Iranian investments. Areas of focus include the development of the mining sector, the expansion of solar energy initiatives, and improvement of railway connectivity. The Iranian delegation proposed establishing a joint special industrial zone with Afghanistan to boost economic collaboration.
Hossein Roustaei, Iran’s commercial attaché in Afghanistan, emphasized the significant potential for trade between the two nations, noting, “Afghanistan meets more than 80% of its market demand through imports, with 25% of those imports supplied by Iran.” He also shared insights during a meeting at the Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture (ICCIMA), where he called for innovative trade models to strengthen Iran’s presence in the Afghan market.
Interestingly, Iran exported $724 million worth of goods to Afghanistan within the first four months of the current Iranian calendar year (March 20–July 21, 2024), marking a notable 28% increase compared to the same period the previous year. Roustaei reiterated the importance of various sectors for potential collaboration, identifying mining investments, engineering services, smart agriculture, infrastructure development, and renewable energy as key areas for expanded cooperation between the two countries.
The optimistic economic projections come at a pivotal moment for Afghanistan, which has increasingly relied on imports to fulfill over 80% of its market needs. This reliance highlights the strategic importance of enhancing trade relationships, especially with Iran, which plays a significant role within the framework of Afghanistan’s import economy.
Baradar’s comments highlight Afghanistan's desire for foreign investment. He stated, “The relevant ministries and organizations will cooperate and work closely with investors,” reinforcing the Afghan government’s commitment to developing sectors deemed beneficial for long-term economic sustainability.
The Iranian trade delegation’s initiative, including plans for the joint industrial zone, showcases Iran's proactive approach to fostering closer ties with its neighboring country amid changing geopolitical dynamics. Baradar's encouragement for Iranian investors underlines the Taliban's strategic approach of leveraging foreign expertise and capital to catalyze domestic growth.
Further reinforcing the bilateral relationship is the acknowledgment of historical economic interactions between Iran and Afghanistan. Roustaei noted, “The establishment of national security and the central government in Afghanistan over the past two years have improved the conditions of trade with this country,” hinting at the significance of political stability as it relates to economic opportunities.
The two nations share not only economic aspirations but also challenges as they navigate the complex realities of international trade amid sanctions and global economic pressures. Iran has historically pursued increased non-oil exports as part of its economic strategy, engaging with 15 bordering nations, including Afghanistan, to diversify its economic dependency.
The push for economic cooperation reflects larger regional aspirations to build infrastructure and develop sectors such as renewable energy and agriculture. Iran's efforts are rooted not just in economic necessity but also as part of its broader regional strategy to maintain influence and secure cooperative relationships with neighboring countries.
With discussions on forming joint economic zones and infrastructural partnerships gaining traction, both Iran and Afghanistan appear poised at the brink of new economic opportunities. The import priority list from Afghanistan includes key goods like food, fuel, and medical supplies—indicating the areas where Iranian exports could expand even more.
Meanwhile, the economic delegation’s meeting with Afghanistan’s acting minister of commerce, Nooruddin Azizi, demonstrates the commitment both sides have to fostering stronger economic ties. They also discussed the potential formation of mining zones, showcasing shared interests and mutual benefits for both nations.
This partnership calls for careful navigation of domestic policies and external pressures. For Afghanistan, the need for comprehensive investments is clear—especially as it strives to recover from years of conflict and isolation. For Iran, enhancing trade relationships offers necessary economic relief amid international sanctions.
Overall, the upward trend of Iran’s non-oil exports to Afghanistan signals not just economic growth but also reflects the broader ambitions each nation holds for cooperation. The developments during the past months highlight how both countries are adapting to new realities and recalibrations of their long-established relationships. With trade once again flourishing, there may be hope for stability and growth as the regional dynamics continue to evolve.