Afghanistan's pine nut exports have risen sharply. The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) says shipments were worth $72 million in the first seven months of the current solar year 1405, up 69% from $42 million in the same period last year.
According to chamber officials, China is the main buyer, with exports also going to India and Europe. Other markets include the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Australia, Turkey, Austria and Kuwait.
Officials at Afghanistan's Ministry of Industry and Commerce say they have taken steps since the start of the year to expand exports and find new markets. Economists, however, say pine nuts are among the country's key exports and need better packaging that meets international standards, along with stronger government promotion, to grow further.