Everyone might be aware of the ongoing Afghan crisis, but do know that this fight is adversely affecting the trade between India & Afghanistan. The militant group Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan, has left Indian traders, especially those importing dry fruits - worried!
India imports dried raisins, walnuts, almond, fig, pine nut, pistachios, dried apricot and fresh fruit such as apricot, cherry, watermelon and medicinal plants from Afghanistan & India’s exports to Afghanistan include tea, coffee, pepper and cotton.
Dry fruit industry under distress:
Most of the Indian imports from Afghanistan transit through Pakistan. The import and export shipments are currently stuck which may cause heavy losses to the traders, it may also get a lot of their payments blocked.
A trader from the country’s largest wholesale Market Khari Baoli told media that his consignment comes via Attari (in Punjab), but it has been stopped since one and a half months already.
An Indian Check Post officer in Attari, says that the problem will arise as the trucks transporting goods to India also carry documents that the Afghani Government issues, with the collapse of the regime, how these trucks will bring the necessary documents even if the Taliban government allows trade.
A worried trader from Mumbai who imports dry fruits from Afghanistan says he has not heard from his partners in Afghanistan since 4 days. Many others are also disappointed due to the disruptions in the business and have no option left other than to wait and watch.
Rise in Price of Dry Fruits ahead of the Festival Season:
These advancements in Afghanistan have caused the prices in Khari Baoli market, Delhi have gone up by 10% in the last three days and are expected to increase further.
The prices of Afghan Almonds, Figs, Apricots and Raisins have increased by Rs 200 per kilogram while that of pistachio have increased by Rs 250 per kilogram.
The total trade between Afghanistan and India stood at USD 1.4 Billion in 2020-21 as against USD 1.52 billion in 2019-20.
