Afghanistan’s fresh fruit exporters are facing growing losses as the ongoing closure of the Torkham land route into Pakistan has left more than 200 trucks carrying tomatoes, onions, grapes, and apples stranded at the border. The disruption has brought exports to a standstill, cutting off access to key South Asian markets.

According to the Dry Fruit Exporters Union, fresh fruit shipments have nearly stopped, although limited quantities of dried fruit are still being flown out. “It is now apple season, and the only nearby and convenient route for selling fruit has been lost,” a spokesperson said.

Exporters estimate that fresh fruit exports have dropped by 60 to 70 percent since the closure began about six months ago. With land transport blocked, producers are relying on air freight as the only alternative for moving goods. However, high air transport costs and reduced demand for expensive shipments have made exports financially unsustainable for many traders.

One exporter reported that his tomato shipment was returned to Jalalabad after being held at the border for two days. Unable to reach major markets, he sold the produce locally at lower prices to avoid spoilage, increasing his financial losses. Exporters say repeated trade disruptions have forced many in the sector into debt and near insolvency.

While the Torkham crossing remains closed for exports to Pakistan and India, temporary openings at the Kharlachi and Ghulam Khan crossings allowed limited coal shipments before fresh produce trade was suspended again. The situation has been aggravated by reduced access to maritime routes through Iran’s Chabahar and Bandar Abbas ports, where international sanctions have constrained operations.

Exporters are calling on Pakistan to separate trade from political disputes and resume transit of agricultural goods. They are also urging greater investment in cold storage, packaging, and logistics infrastructure within Afghanistan. According to traders, even a 200-ton cold storage facility remains unaffordable for most, yet such capacity could help stabilise supply chains, reduce losses, and create jobs.

The restricted corridor for perishable exports threatens one of Afghanistan’s key sources of rural income. Industry representatives warn that without the reopening of trade routes or infrastructure improvements, the country’s fresh produce sector risks a long-term downturn that could impact farmers, exporters, and the broader regional trade network.

Source: The Express Tribune