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ECONOMY — April 19, 2026

Goods Transport Through Afghanistan's Border Ports Increases by 39.1 Percent

The Ministry of Public Works reported a 39.1 percent increase in commercial goods transported through Afghanistan's main border ports in solar year 1404, with the volume rising to over 6.1 million metric tons from 4.3 million tons the previous year. Officials attributed the growth to improved planning, infrastructure and staff efforts, while exports reached 74,752 tons.

The Ehtebar Desk — originates with RTA — corroborated by Amu TV and Hurriyat — 2 min read

Goods Transport Through Afghanistan's Border Ports Increases by 39.1 Percent
Image courtesy RTA

The volume of commercial goods transported through Afghanistan's four key border ports increased by 39.1 percent in solar year 1404, according to the Ministry of Public Works.

The total rose to approximately 6.12 million metric tons from 4.3 million tons in solar year 1403. The ports involved are Hairatan, Aqina, Torghundi and Khaf-Herat.

Ministry spokesperson Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas attributed the increase to regular planning, monitoring, infrastructure development and the efforts of staff. He said the ministry is carrying out reforms aimed at providing more transparent services.

The goods transported included imports of petroleum products, wheat, flour, cement, sugar and other food and construction materials. Exports amounted to 74,752 tons, mainly dried fruits, rice, potatoes, vegetables and other items.

The announcement comes as the United Nations World Food Programme has reported that food prices in Afghanistan have risen by up to 47 percent due to higher transport costs and altered supply routes.

Read the original reporting at RTA →

Reliability assessment

All three independent outlets corroborate the core event and specific percentage/volume figures from on-record statements by the Ministry of Public Works and its named spokesperson. The verifiable fact that the ministry made these claims is consistent; minor numerical rounding differences and varying additional details are normal and do not undermine reliability of the underlying report.

The source language reads straight.

Across the newsrooms

Where reports agree

  • All sources confirm the Ministry of Public Works reported a 39.1% increase in commercial goods transit volume for solar year 1404 versus 1403.
  • Core totals are consistent: ~4.3 million tons in 1403 and ~6.12 million tons in 1404.
  • The four border ports involved are Hairatan, Aqina, Torghundi and Khaf-Herat.
  • Transported goods include both imports (oil, wheat, construction materials etc.) and exports (dried fruits, minerals, agricultural products etc.).
  • The story is based on official statements from the Taliban-run Ministry of Public Works.

Where reports differ

  • Slight variations in exact 1404 tonnage (6.1 million vs 6,119,497 vs 6,119,498) and per-port breakdowns (only Amu TV gives full port-by-port figures).
  • Only RTA reports additional specifics on 103,944 wagons and 4,636 containers.
  • Only Amu TV includes contextual information about rising food prices from a UN WFP report.
  • Hurriyat and RTA emphasize reasons for the increase (planning, infrastructure); Amu TV does not.
  • Minor title differences (railway lines vs highways) but all bodies describe the same border port transit.

Filed by 3 outlets

Filed under

Economy — Ministry of Public Works, Mohammad Ashraf Haqshenas, Hairatan Port, Trade Volume, Solar Year 1404

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