Moscow, Kabul record sharp surge in bilateral trade

Trade turnover between Russia and Afghanistan surged 2.6 times in January–February 2026, marking a 162.9% increase compared to the same period last year, the Russian government confirmed.

The figures were discussed during a meeting in Kazan between Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk and Afghanistan’s Minister of Industry and Commerce Haji Nooruddin Azizi, the Russian government’s press service said.

According to the statement, imports rose by 90%, while Russian exports to Afghanistan increased by 167.2% during the first two months of the year.

Amid the sharp growth in bilateral trade, both sides highlighted the potential for further expansion, particularly through increasing mutual supplies of agricultural products.

“The sides discussed in detail the prospects for strengthening multifaceted practical cooperation of a mutually beneficial nature, with an emphasis on increasing trade turnover,” the Russian government said in a statement.

By Vafa Guliyeva