Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, said that Afghanistan had a trade volume of $695 million with Iran in the first three months of 2024.

The spokesperson added that this is comprised of $14 million in exports and $681 million in imports.

The main export items to Iran were cotton, sesame, cotton yarn, raisins, and mung beans, whereas the major imports from Iran included various types of fuels, electricity, cement, and bell peppers.

Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad said, "Afghanistan's trade with Iran during the first quarter of 2024 totaled $695 million, with $14 million from exports and $681 million from imports."

Meanwhile, the Chamber of Commerce and Investment attributed the increase in Iranian imports to some local traders who previously imported from Pakistan but now import from Iran.

Maiwand Hotak, head of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said: "Iran's exports have increased primarily because traders who were previously engaged in trade with Pakistan, and mostly imported from Pakistan, are now turning to Iran to fulfill the needs of the Afghan people."

Economic analysts emphasized expanding trade and economic relationships with all countries, suggesting that developing such relationships is beneficial for Afghanistan.

Islam Qala in Herat, Abu Nasr Farahi in Farah, and the Silk Bridge in Nimroz are among the official ports between Afghanistan and Iran. 

Additionally, investment in the Khaf-Herat railway and its utilization for transporting commercial items between the two countries are considered key steps by officials from both countries to enhance trade.