Afghanistan’s raisin exports to Russia have declined by as much as 86 percent, according to the country’s chamber of commerce.
Lack of protective tariffs and packaging facilities are blamed for the decline.
According to the Chamber of Commerce, Afghanistan’s raisins exports to the main market of Russia declined from annual 70,000 tons to 10,000 tons.
Khan Jan Alokozay, the deputy chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, said that the neighboring country of Iran gives 2,000 euros to each of its traders in the sector increase its raisin exports and dominate Moscow market.
The official, however, said that Afghanistan’s grape and raisins enjoy more popularity for quality and taste than that from any other country.
He said that country’s farmers benefit less due to low prices in the domestic markets.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan Ministry of Industries and Commerce said that the country’s raisins are now exported to Ukraine, Netherlands, and other European countries.
Figures with the ministry suggest that 7,000 tons of raisins were exported from Afghanistan during the first six months of this year while previously the exports were at a rate of 120,000 tons per year.
