On October 3, 2023, the Pakistani Ministry of Commerce issued a directive prohibiting the transit of certain imported goods to Afghanistan in an effort to prevent smuggling. This directive does not apply to goods that have already arrived at Pakistani ports or humanitarian aid destined for Afghanistan.
In 2022, the total value of these Vietnamese exports to Afghanistan reached $9.9 million, accounting for 8.7% of Vietnam’s total exports to Afghanistan in 2022. Amid the growing chasm between Pakistan and Afghanistan, the announcement becomes significant as it aims to curb the illegal entry of goods into the country.
Vietnamese exports affected by this ban include cashew nuts, black tea, sanitary chemicals, car tires, fabrics, vacuum cleaners, and water heaters. Specifically, black tea products are banned under the following HS codes: 0902.4090, 0902.4020, and 0902.3000. Goods currently in transit to Pakistan will be allowed for re-export. This will significantly affect the tea market since Pakistan and Afghanistan are both big tea importers from Vietnam.
