ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The federal cabinet has approved tariff concessions for Afghanistan under the Early Harvest Program in a move aimed at strengthening bilateral trade ties.
According to sources, the Ministry of Commerce sent the proposal, which was approved by the cabinet through circulation.
The initiative is expected to pave the way for increased trade and economic cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
Under the agreement, both Pakistan and Afghanistan will reduce or eliminate customs duties on four key agricultural products each.
However, despite the relief, both sides will still impose taxes ranging from twenty-two per cent to twenty-seven per cent on the selected items.
These concessions will be valid from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026.
According to official documents, Pakistan will offer the following concessions to Afghanistan:
Tomatoes from Afghanistan will see a five per cent duty removal, lowering the overall tax from twenty-seven per cent to twenty-two per cent.
Similarly, grapes, pomegranates, and apples will benefit from a twenty-six per cent cut in customs duty, reducing the tax rate from fifty-three per cent to twenty-seven per cent.
On the other hand, Afghanistan will offer relief on four Pakistani products.
Potatoes will receive the highest relief, with a thirty-five per cent reduction in customs duty, bringing the tax down from fifty-seven per cent to twenty-two per cent. Bananas from
Pakistan will enjoy a thirty per cent cut, while kinnows and mangoes will see a twenty per cent reduction in duty, lowering the tax from forty-seven per cent to twenty-seven per cent.
It is worth mentioning that the Early Harvest Program agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan was finalized just last week.
Both governments appear eager to implement the deal without delay, hoping it will help farmers, reduce food costs, and foster stronger trade relations in the region.