KABUL (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Finance (MoF) says wheat imports to Afghanistan increased 4.5-fold during the first two months of the 1405 fiscal year following a reduction in customs tariffs on wheat and higher duties on flour imports.
According to a statement from the ministry, the Tariff Committee led by the MoF last year reduced customs duties on imported wheat and gradually raised tariffs on flour imports from five percent to eight percent in an effort to support domestic production and strengthen the flour processing industry.
The ministry said the changes have led to a significant rise in wheat imports, expanding the operations of flour-processing factories and boosting domestic production.
The statement added that during the first two months of the current fiscal year (March–April 2026), 198,000 tonnes of wheat were imported into the country, compared to only 44,000 tonnes during the same period a year earlier, showing a 345 percent increase.
According to the ministry, the policy changes have increased domestic production capacity, created more job opportunities, and expanded the share of locally produced goods in the market.
The MoF said the main objective of such economic policies is to support domestic production and strengthen the national economy.
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