The government of Pakistan has raised tariffs on the exports of Afghan steel, said the Afghanistan Steel Mill Union.  

The increase in the tariffs by Pakistan comes as Afghanistan has recently ramped up its export of steel.

“The main problem ahead of the export of steel is the high rate of tariffs imposed by Pakistan,” said Abdul Naseer Rishtia, head of the Afghanistan Steel Mill Union.  

According to the union, Afghanistan has exported over 1,000 tons of steel to Pakistan in the last two months.

The head of the Chamber of Industry and Mines of Kabul said that Afghanistan has reached self-sufficiency in the production of steel.  

“Fortunately, we are in a self-sufficient position, and we are even ready to export,” said Mohammad Karim Azimi, head of the chamber.  

The Ministry of Finance said that the exports will continue.  

“To increase our industry, we have removed tariffs. It means the industrial companies are only paying us taxes which is two to four percent,” said Amad Wali Haqmal, a spokesman for the ministry. 

The Chamber of Industry and Mines said that 40 to 50 factories are active now.