The Kandahar Chamber of Commerce and Investment has officially announced the start of this year’s grape exports from Kandahar province to Pakistan, marking a significant step for local farmers and traders.
Fruit traders and orchard owners across Kandahar report that this year’s grape harvest is exceptional in both quantity and quality. According to estimates from the Directorate of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, approximately 205,000 metric tons of grapes are expected to be harvested in 2025, surpassing last year’s yield of 26,000 tons by a substantial margin.
Despite the promising outlook, local exporters face major hurdles, primarily high tariffs imposed by Pakistan on Afghan fresh fruits and ongoing transit challenges that slow down shipments and increase costs.
Saadullah, a Kandahar-based trader, shared:
“We’ve exported five containers of grapes to Pakistan so far, totaling around 100 tons. The process has been smooth, but Pakistan’s tariffs are very steep, which reduces our profit margins significantly.”
Abdul Qayoum, another trader, emphasized the risks of these tariffs:
“If the high taxes remain, our export costs will outweigh our earnings. Moreover, we lack alternative routes to ship grapes to other international markets. Reducing tariffs and diversifying export routes is essential for sustainable growth.”
Wali Mohammad, an orchard owner, expressed concern for his workers and the future of the harvest season:
“During harvest, many families depend on this income. But if Pakistan blocks roads or imposes additional tariffs, all our efforts and expenses will be wasted.”
In response, the Kandahar Chamber of Commerce and Investment has been proactive in engaging with Pakistani authorities to address these issues. Abdul Baqi Bina, Deputy Head of the Chamber, revealed:
“Our delegation recently traveled to Islamabad, where Pakistani officials committed to reducing tariffs on Afghan fresh fruits by 50%. We are also in talks with the Pakistani consulate here in Kandahar to streamline shipments and improve trade facilitation.”
The Directorate of Agriculture has reported minimal pest damage this year, which, combined with favorable weather conditions, has contributed to the high-quality grape harvest. Mohammad Hanif Haqmal, spokesperson for the Directorate, stated:
“This season’s grapes are among the best Kandahar has produced in recent years. We expect this quality and quantity to open new doors for Afghan farmers in regional markets.”
Last year, Kandahar’s grape exports generated over 8 million USD in revenue, highlighting the economic importance of this sector. With the anticipated increase in production and improved trade relations, local officials are optimistic about boosting Afghanistan’s fruit export sector further.
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