Officials from the Taliban-run local administration in Herat say Afghanistan earned around $54m from saffron exports in 2025, with a total of 56 tonnes shipped to foreign markets. They say this represents an increase of nearly $10m compared with the previous year.
According to the officials, the rise reflects growing international confidence in Afghan saffron and an expansion of export markets. Afghan saffron is now being exported to a wide range of countries across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and North America, including India, Spain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Canada, the UK, Turkey and Oman.
Earlier, the Herat Chamber of Commerce and Investment said that more than 22 tonnes of saffron, worth close to $30m, had been exported to international markets in the first nine months of the year, adding that exports were continuing.
Meanwhile, the Brussels-based International Taste Institute has named Herat saffron the best in the world. The institute has awarded this international title to Herat saffron for the tenth time, a recognition seen as reinforcing the product’s quality and global reputation.
According to agricultural sector data, around 95% of Afghanistan’s saffron is produced in Herat, where it is valued internationally for its distinctive aroma, deep colour and high quality.
