Fruit growers and sellers criticized the increased customs tariffs by Pakistan and said if the tariffs are not reduced, farmers and traders will not make a profit.

They said Pakistan increases customs tariffs in the fresh fruit export season every year.

“Apple customs taxes have again been increased by Pakistan, previously customs were approximately 12,000 but now have increased to 40,000, 50,000. If it continues like this, we will have a big loss,” said Mohammad Ullah, a seller.

The Afghanistan Fruit & Vegetable Traders Union said that because of the increased customs tariffs, more cars are stopped at the crossing of Pakistan.

They said that right now Pakistan charges no taxes on some vegetables but increases it for fresh fruit.

“We call on the current government to make an agreement at the start of the year with Pakistan so Pakistan can made changes in custom tariffs until end of the year,” said Akhtar Mohammad Ahmadi, head of the Union of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.

The Chamber of Commerce and investment said because of the lack of flights, the export options for fresh fruit to South Asian countries are weak.

“The only market we have is South Asia--Pakistan and India--and our fundamental problem is the lack of an air corridor for exporting fresh fruit. We have exported through the air corridor 20,000 to 25,000 tons fruit every year,” said Khan Jan Alkozay, senior vice chairman of the ACCI.

According to the Chamber of Commerce and Investment, the rate of exports in 1400 was $300 million, but exports have increased, with the biggest export being coal from Afghanistan to Pakistan.