In 2024, Afghanistan became the largest importer of Russian flour, as reported by the Russian state agency for the export of agricultural products “Agroexport”.
Afghanistan’s purchases of flour doubled from the previous year and reached almost 80 million dollars. This significant increase is linked to Russia’s efforts to strengthen ties with the Taliban government, including moves to officially recognize the regime.
Afghanistan is heavily dependent on flour imports due to limited domestic production capacity. In total, exports of Russian flour in 2024 amounted to 300 million dollars, and among the largest buyers, besides Afghanistan, were China and Turkmenistan.
Russia maintains contacts with Afghanistan under the leadership of the Taliban, although it has not officially recognized its new government. On November 25, the Secretary of the Security Council of Russia, Sergei Shoigu, visited Afghanistan, saying that the process of removing the Taliban from the list of terrorist organizations was at the “final stage.”
Shoigu emphasized Russia’s readiness for a constructive political dialogue with the Afghan government. He also emphasized the importance of creating conditions for increasing the export of Afghan goods and attracting foreign investment.
