Afghanistan Becomes Uzbekistan’s 5th-Largest Trading Partner as Trade Surges to $508M

DID Press: State Committee of Statistics of Uzbekistan has reported that bilateral trade with Afghanistan has exceeded $508 million over the past three months, placing Afghanistan among Uzbekistan’s top five trading partners and highlighting Kabul’s growing economic role in regional dynamics.

According to the latest data, the sharp rise in trade reflects a broader expansion in economic engagement between the two neighbors. Uzbek officials said the growth is not a temporary spike but part of a long-term strategy to deepen cooperation with southern neighbors, adding that trade with Afghanistan is “fully beneficial” for Uzbekistan’s economy and expected to expand further in the coming months.

Economic sources indicate that exports of energy, food products, construction materials, and industrial goods to Afghanistan have increased, while Afghanistan’s exports of agricultural products and raw materials have contributed to a more diversified bilateral trade structure.

In parallel, private-sector entities from both countries recently signed agreements worth more than $518 million, marking a new phase of commercial and investment cooperation.

Analysts in Tashkent point to Afghanistan’s geographic position and its role in regional transit routes as a key factor behind Uzbekistan’s growing economic engagement. Discussions are ongoing on joint projects in transit, energy, and transport infrastructure aimed at reducing logistics costs and improving trade connectivity.

Experts say that if this trajectory continues, Afghanistan could become one of Uzbekistan’s most important economic partners, particularly if planned rail and regional corridor projects advance at pace.