Navigator
Afghanistan
(information)
Population as of 2020: 39.07 million 37 of 193
highest next higher next lower lowest
Region: Middle East
Nominal G.D.P. in 2024: $18.1 billion 102 of 193
highest next higher next lower lowest
Top Exports
Afghanistan’s export economy in **2024 (~$1.6 billion total exports)** is very different from oil exporters—it is dominated by **agriculture, natural resources, and simple manufactured goods**. | Rank | Export Category | Notes | | ---- | ------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 1 | **Fruits & nuts** | Largest export (~36.6%); includes grapes, raisins, almonds, pistachios.| | 2 | **Vegetables** | Onions, garlic, legumes. | | 3 | **Cotton** | Fast-growing export sector. | | 4 | **Gums, resins & plant extracts** | Includes asafoetida (“hing”). | | 5 | **Coffee, tea & spices** | Especially saffron (high value). | | 6 | **Mineral fuels (coal, etc.)** | Coal is a major export to neighbors. | | 7 | **Oil seeds** | Sesame, sunflower seeds. | | 8 | **Beverages & vinegar** | Includes fruit-based products. | | 9 | **Textile floor coverings (carpets/rugs)** | Traditional handmade carpets. | | 10 | **Gems & precious metals** | Includes gemstones and some gold. | ## Key individual export products (most valuable items) | Rank | Product | Notes | | ---- | ------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- | | 11 | **Grapes (fresh)** | One of the single largest exports. | | 12 | **Raisins (dried grapes)** | Major processed agricultural export. | | 13 | **Figs & dates** | High-value dried fruit exports. | | 14 | **Pomegranates** | Signature Afghan fruit export. | | 15 | **Almonds & pistachios** | Important nut exports. | | 16 | **Onions, garlic, leeks** | Large vegetable shipments. | | 17 | **Coal** | Key mineral export to Pakistan and neighbors. | | 18 | **Saffron** | One of the highest-value crops per kilogram. | | 19 | **Natural resins (asafoetida, gums)** | Widely used in food and medicine. | | 20 | **Handwoven carpets & rugs** | Traditional export with global demand. | ## Key Takeaways * **Agriculture dominates**: Fruits, nuts, and vegetables alone make up **over 50% of exports**. * **Low industrialization**: Afghanistan exports very few manufactured goods. * **Niche high-value products**: Items like **saffron, carpets, and resins** punch above their weight. * **Regional trade focus**: Most exports go to nearby countries like **India and Pakistan**. Top Importers of Afghanistan’s Exports | Rank | Country | Notes | | ---- | ------------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------- | | 1 | **Pakistan** | Largest market; imports coal, fruits, vegetables, and textiles. | | 2 | **India** | Major buyer of dried fruits, nuts, and especially saffron. | | 3 | **China** | Imports minerals, carpets, and some agricultural goods. | | 4 | **United Arab Emirates** | Trade hub; re-exports Afghan goods globally. | | 5 | **Turkey** | Imports carpets, textiles, and agricultural products. | | 6 | **Iran** | Regional trade partner; cross-border agricultural trade. | | 7 | **Kazakhstan** | Imports agricultural goods and some raw materials. | | 8 | **Uzbekistan** | Growing trade partner; food and raw materials. | | 9 | **Tajikistan** | Neighboring trade; mostly agricultural goods. | | 10 | **Germany** | Smaller but notable market for carpets and specialty goods. |
