Pakistan’s sugar exports to Afghanistan have seen a massive rise, growing by 4,332% in the first seven months of the current fiscal year.
Between July 2024 and January 2025, Pakistan exported $262.7 million worth of sugar to Afghanistan. This is a huge increase compared to the $5.9 million exported during the same period last year.
This sharp rise in exports comes at a time when sugar prices in Pakistan are increasing. Over the past ten weeks, sugar prices have gone up by Rs21.26 per kg, bringing the average price to Rs153.11 per kg.
The government had allowed large-scale sugar exports in mid-2024, leading to this surge in trade. However, the rising prices have raised concerns about possible sugar shortages in the country. Many believe that exporting too much sugar might make it harder for local consumers to buy it at affordable prices.
While the increased exports are bringing in foreign exchange, they also highlight the challenge of balancing trade profits with domestic supply. The government may need to review its policies to ensure that exports do not lead to a shortage for people within the country.
