Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

Economic Overview

The Afghanistan economy has improved significantly since the fall of the Taliban regime in 2001, largely due to the infusion of international aid, the recovery of the agricultural sector and service sector growth.

The global community remains committed to financially supporting Afghanistan’s rebuilding process following decades of conflict, pledging over $67bn between 2003-10. In July 2012, the donors at the Tokyo conference pledged an additional $16bn in civilian aid through to 2015.

Composition of GDP

• Services: 54.4%
• Industry: 25.6%
• Agriculture: 20%

Ports and terminals – Karachi – Port Qasim (PKBQM), Bandar Abbas – Afghanistan is landlocked.

Exports

Opium, fruits and nuts, handwoven carpets, wool, cotton, hides and pelts, precious and semi-precious gems.

Imports

Machinery and other capital goods, food, textiles and petroleum products.

Principal trading partners – exports

• Pakistan: 32.2%
• India: 27%
• Tajikistan: 8.5%
• USA: 6.2%

Principal trading partners – imports

• Pakistan: 24.3%
• USA: 18%
• Russia: 8.7%
• India: 5.8%
• China: 5.6%
• Germany: 4.4%

Exchange Controls

There are no current exchange control restrictions in Afghanistan.

Foreign exchange can be transferred in or out of Afghanistan without any restrictions. However, amounts exceeding $10,000 must be transferred with legitimate evidence of earnings attached.