Exports and imports between Kazakhstan and Afghanistan showed significant changes in 2023. Exports of goods from Kazakhstan to Afghanistan fell by 16.4% last year, declining by $615.3 million compared to 2022.
According to analysts, the traditional export cargo of flour from Kazakhstan to Afghanistan decreased by 1.2 million tons (6.3%). Wheat exports fell by a measure of 448,000 tons, flax seeds by 42,000 tons, and peas, chickpeas and lentils by 49,100 tons (1.7%). The supply of oil products also decreased by 26.8%, which amounted to 71,700 tons. Exports of flat-rolled steel products declined by 50% to 62,500 tons.
But there are also positive indicators. For example, the export of sunflower and safflower oil has grown. Last year it amounted to 20,300 tons, which is 16% higher than in 2022. Additionally, there was an increase in the export supply of cigarettes, up to 269 million pieces, which is 2.2 times higher than in 2022. Fertilizer exports grew 1.5 times to 30,900 tons.
Imports of goods from Afghanistan to Kazakhstan also improved. Compared to 2022, Kazakhstan imported three times more Afghan goods in 2023. They totaled 55,000 tons of cargo worth $21.1 million. These goods mainly included sweetened drinks, onions, licorice root, grapes, as well as value-added products such as clothing, washcloths, brooms, brushes and matches. Additionally, Kazakhstan imported much more jade — 74.3 tons, up 39.1 times year-on-year, and talc — 261.3 tons, up 1.9 times.
