AFGHANISTAN ECONOMIC MONITOR

AFGHANISTAN ECONOMIC MONITOR

THE WORLD BANK April 25, 2023

This monthly Afghanistan Economic Monitor is part of Afghanistan Futures, the World Bank’s program of research,
monitoring, and analytical reports on the Afghan economy and society. Afghanistan Futures seeks to inform the
international policy dialogue as the international community assesses how it can support the people of Afghanistan. This
Afghanistan Economic Monitor joins the regular surveys on the private sector, household welfare, and gender, and the
sectoral reports that inform the Afghanistan Development Update, a biannual flagship report.

Issue #4/2023 THE WORLD BANK

AFGHANISTAN ECONOMIC MONITOR

HIGHLIGHTS
Headline inflation The inflationary pressures eased substantially from year-on-year 18.3 percent in July 2022
continues to decline, and to 5.3 percent in December 2022. The trend continued in February 2023, with inflation
commodities remain recorded at 3.5 percent. While official statistics for March are unavailable, the data on prices
available nationwide. of basic household items collected by the World Food Program (WFP) indicate price deflation
on a y-o-y basis: prices declined -4.1 percent on average compared to March 2022. Despite
the recent improvement, the overall price level remains much higher than in August 2021,
contributing to the erosion of household purchasing power. Against this backdrop in prices,
key food, and non-food commodities remain widely available in major markets across the
country, as reported by the Third-Party Monitoring Agent (TPMA).
Since February 2023, The AFN has appreciated against all currencies, and in mid-April 2023, it traded around 86
Afghani (AFN) has to US$, approximately the rate as of August 2021. Between February 4 – April 18, 2023,
appreciated against the AFN appreciated by (i) 5.4 percent against the US dollar, (ii) 0.7 percent against the
major currencies. Indian rupee, (iii) 4.3 percent against the Euro, (iv) 10.7 percent against the Pakistani rupee,
and (v) 22.2 percent against the Iranian toman. Availability of foreign currency improved in
recent months, as confirmed by interviews with foreign currency providers. Reportedly, the
Interim Taliban Administration (ITA) continues to exert strong controls on the illegal export of
foreign currency, strengthening the AFN rate. At the same time, the United Nations (UN) make
USD available in the market through US$ cash shipments (US$ 560 million were shipped to
Afghanistan in Q1 2023 against a cumulative ~ US$ 1.8 billion in 2022). The cash shipments
provide (directly or indirectly) the Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) with liquidity in US$, which is
auctioned in the foreign exchange market to allow for the settlement of payments in local
currency. Details about auctions are not officially available from DAB, as no statistics have
been published.
Firms continue to report No withdrawal limits exist on bank deposits made after August 15, 2021, while cash
difficulty withdrawing withdrawals for pre-August 15 deposits continue to be regulated for both firms and
cash from banks. individuals. Data collected by the TPMA indicates that, except for Maiwand Bank’s customers,
individual depositors can access existing deposits within the statutory limits. In April 2023,
the cash withdrawal limit for individuals has been raised to AFN 50,000 per week (from AFN
30,000): the impact of such an increase will be monitored in future reports. Firms’ access to
deposits (subject to a higher threshold) is reported below the permitted limits; however, in
March 2023, a slight improvement was observed for AFN deposits.
Civil servants’ salaries According to TPMA data, nearly all civil servants regularly receive salary payments
continue to be paid on (gathered through telephone interviews with ~ 250 respondents, including five females—the
time. team aims to improve female representation in future data collection). The majority (93
percent) received salaries through banks during March 2023, and two-thirds did not face any
issue withdrawing the salaries from their account. This share remained constant over the past
few months. However, one-third of civil servants continue to face issues in withdrawing salaries:
crowding in bank branches and the deteriorating quality of banknotes have been increasingly
reported as key issue in recent months. In addition, some respondents complained recently
about the lack of funds in the bank branches: during the following months, TPMA agents will
gather additional data to gain a better understanding of the issue.
Employment for skilled After a seasonal decline since the beginning of the winter, data collected by TPMA indicates
and unskilled labor has an improvement in the labor market indicators: employment for both skilled and unskilled
improved during March workers in March 2023—coinciding with the start of the harvesting and spring seasons
2023. increased and surpassed the level measured in March 2022. Correspondently, nominal and
real wages also rose slightly in March 2023. We will continue to monitor this trend to identify
whether this positive development will be sustained during the rest of the Spring and Summer
months.

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Issue #4/2023 THE WORLD BANK
AFGHANISTAN ECONOMIC MONITOR
Revenue collection Updated revenue data for the last month are not yet available. As discussed in the previous
during the fiscal year monitor, during the fiscal year 2022 (between February 22, 2022, and March 21, 2023),
2022 was robust. the total revenue receipts were AFN 193.9 billion (US$ 2.2 billion), corresponding to a tax-
to-projected GDP ratio of 13.8 percent. Revenue collection relied heavily on regressive
indirect taxes collected at the borders, with border taxes contributing 55 percent of the
overall revenue. Non-tax sources, such as royalties and administration fees collected by
ministries, account for 51 percent of total inland revenues. The rise in ministries' revenue was
partly due to coal extraction and solid coal exports, mainly to Pakistan, and related increases
in other royalty fees. Furthermore, one-time non-tax revenue collection through arrears has
significantly contributed to the non-tax revenue growth, but this may not be available in the
future. News reports indicate that the ITA's substantial tax demands are imposing a toll on
struggling firms and small businesses: the third round of the WB Private Sector Rapid Survey
will allow shedding more light on the issue.
Merchandise exports Based on unofficial Afghanistan customs data, export in the first quarter of 2023 reached
increased in Q1-2023. US$ 0.5 billion, with a 7 percent growth compared to Q1-2022: as food exports remain
stable, the increase can be attributed primarily to coal (by 26 percent) (23 percent share in
exports); and (ii) textiles by 28 percent (15 percent share). During Q1-2023, Pakistan
remains Afghanistan’s largest export market (accounting for 60 percent of total exports),
followed by India (24 percent). Exports to Pakistan are mainly food and coal, contributing
around 72 percent of total exports in Q1–2023. Coal exports to Pakistan reached US$ 111.6
million in Q1-2023 (compared to US$ 476 million in 2022 and US$ 88 million in Q1-2022).
Merchandise imports During the first quarter of 2023, imports stood at US$ 1.8 billion, reflecting 32 percent growth
continued to increase. vis-à-vis Q1-2022. Food (a quarter of imports) grew by 7 percent while minerals (including
fuel), representing 20 percent of imports, increased by 22 percent in Q1-2023 compared to
Q1-2022. Iran remains the most significant import origin country (22 percent), followed by
Pakistan (18 percent), China (15 percent), and the United Arab Emirates (13 percent).
The trade deficit Based on the available data, the trade deficit reached US$ 1.3 billion in Q1-2023, a 45
widened in Q1-2023. percent growth on a y-o-y basis (compared to US$ 0.9 billion during the comparable period
in 2022 - against US$ 4.4 billion for the entire 2022). However, the UN cash shipments for
the period (US$ 560 million) cover only less than half of the merchandise trade deficit. Other
balance of payments statistics remain unavailable.
The Health Emergency The Health Management Information System (HMIS) data indicates that between January
Response Project, 2022 and March 2023, around 4.2 million antenatal care (ANC) visits were administered
financed by the across the 2,300 HER-supported health facilities. In March 2023, the number of ANC visits
Afghanistan showed a 5 percent increase compared to February 2023 and a 9 percent improvement
Reconstruction Trust compared to January 2022.
Fund, continues to
provide critical health
services for mothers and
children.

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Issue #4/2023 THE WORLD BANK
AFGHANISTAN ECONOMIC MONITOR
1. PRICE CHANGES AND AVAILABILITY OF BASIC HOUSEHOLD GOODS
Inflation has declined substantially Since July 2022, owing primarily to a decline in global prices and a
stable exchange rate.
1.1. HEADLINE PRICE INDEX 1.2. HEADLINE INFLATION (Y-O-Y)
Over CPI Index Food Non-Food Headline inflation Food Non-food
180 30
170 25

160 20

150 15

140 10

130 5

120 0

110 -5
-10
100

Dec-22
Feb-21
Mar-21
Apr-21
May-21

Nov-21
Dec-21

Feb-22
Mar-22
Apr-22
May-22

Feb-23
Nov-22
Sep-21

Sep-22
Jun-21

Aug-21

Oct-21

Jun-22

Aug-22

Oct-22
Jan-21

Jul-21

Jan-22

Jul-22

Jan-23
Oct-21
Nov-21

Apr-22

Oct-22
Nov-22
Feb-21

Apr-21

Sep-21

Dec-21

Feb-22

Sep-22

Dec-22

Feb-23
Jan-21

Aug-21

Jan-22

Aug-22

Jan-23
Mar-21

Jun-21
May-21

Jul-21

Mar-22

May-22
Jun-22
Jul-22

Source: National Statistics and Information Authority (NSIA).

1.3. BASIC HOUSEHOLD GOODS – Y-O-Y INFLATION

Apr-22 May-22 Jun-22 Jul-22 Aug-22 Sep-22 Oct-22 Nov-22 Dec-22 Jan-23 Feb-23 Mar-23
Bread 14.9 18.1 22.0 23.2 23.3 21.6 19.1 18.1 16.6 15.2 14.2 13.5
Fuel (diesel) 57.3 66.3 95.3 112.5 54.5 87.4 49.1 34.1 26.3 22.3 14.8 -5.4
Oil (cooking) 46.4 50.3 51.3 32.3 16.1 0.8 -13.3 -12.2 -14.4 -21.7 -17.0 -21.3
Pulses 23.8 22.9 23.7 23.3 17.7 16.1 11.6 10.6 10.6 -2.4 0.0 1.7
Rice (high quality) 19.3 24.0 34.2 37.8 32.9 32.0 28.9 27.2 26.4 19.8 17.9 19.1
Rice (low quality) 7.9 9.6 14.6 13.1 10.9 14.1 12.5 18.5 21.9 18.9 28.3 27.9
Salt 18.9 21.3 22.9 19.0 18.0 16.0 17.8 10.8 20.0 2.5 -0.1 4.0
Sugar 24.4 26.0 33.9 37.0 30.9 20.5 8.7 3.9 1.2 -7.5 -3.5 0.1
Wheat 35.5 40.3 58.1 49.8 43.5 37.9 19.1 16.8 11.8 -2.7 5.3 0.0
Wheat flour (high quality) 44.0 50.5 65.1 49.4 41.7 31.9 12.3 12.1 5.8 -6.3 -0.6 -7.9
Wheat flour (low quality) 44.7 52.7 68.2 50.8 41.5 36.0 14.3 13.4 6.5 -6.6 -1.4 -6.3
Basic Household Goods
36.6 41.6 51.7 43.4 31.5 26.4 11.1 9.9 6.1 -3.3 0.7 -4.1
Price Inflation
Source: Price data from WFP weekly report; index constructed by World Bank staff.
Note: This Index uses WFP price data for 11 critical household goods from all provinces. It applies consumption and population weights from NSIA to provide an
aggregate snapshot of basic household inflation trends.

Most of the basic food and non-food items remained available.

1.4. REPORTED AVAILABILITY OF FOOD & NON-FOOD ITEMS
102%
Food Non-food
100%

98%

96%

94%

92%

90%

88%
Jul-22
Jan-22

May-22

Jan-23
Oct-22
Nov-21

Jun-22

Nov-22
Apr-22

Aug-22
Dec-21

Dec-22
Mar-22

Mar-23
Feb-22

Sep-22

Feb-23

Source: Data collected by the World Bank’s TPMA, based on a survey of 48 markets across 21 provinces.

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Issue #4/2023 THE WORLD BANK
AFGHANISTAN ECONOMIC MONITOR

2. LABOR MARKET CONDITIONS

Nominal and real wages are recovering slightly in March 2023 after consistently falling since December
2022.
2.1. NOMINAL AND REAL WAGES (AFN) FOR SKILLED AND UNSKILLED WORKERS
Nominal Wage(Un-skilled Labor) Nominal Wage (Skilled Labour) Nominal Wage(Un-skilled Labor)
Nominal Wage (Skilled Labour)
700.0 Real wage (Un-skilled Labour)
Real wage (Skilled Labour)
600.0 700

500.0 600

400.0 500

300.0 400

200.0 300

100.0 200

0.0 100

Aug-21

Aug-22
Oct-21

Jan-22

Oct-22

Jan-23
May-22
Sep-21

Mar-22

Sep-22

Mar-23
Jun-21

Jun-22
Jul-21

Nov-21
Dec-21

Jul-22

Nov-22
Feb-22

Apr-22

Dec-22

Feb-23
Aug-21

Oct-21

Aug-22
Jan-22

May-22

Oct-22

Jan-23
Jun-21

Sep-21

Sep-22
Dec-21
Nov-21

Mar-22

Nov-22

Mar-23
Dec-22
Jul-21

Feb-22

Apr-22

Jun-22
Jul-22

Feb-23

Source: Wage data from WFP, World Bank staff elaboration.

Note: Real wages to January 2022 are calculated based on consumer price inflation as reported by NSIA.

Demand for skilled and unskilled workers recovered marginally in March 2023, coinciding with
harvesting season and the beginning of spring.
2.2. EMPLOYMENT FOR SKILLED AND UNSKILLED WORKERS BETWEEN NOVEMBER 2021 AND MARCH 2023

Demand for Un-skilled Labor Demand for Skilled Labor

3.00

2.50

2.00

1.50

1.00

0.50

0.00
May-22

Jul-22
Jan-22

Jan-23
Nov-21

Dec-21

Jun-22
Apr-22

Aug-22

Oct-22

Nov-22
Feb-22

Dec-22

Feb-23
Mar-22

Mar-23
Sep-22

Source: Survey data collected by the World Bank’s TPMA.

Note: Data reflect the number of available workdays reported by skilled and unskilled casual workers seeking work. Skilled workers include (i) carpenters, (ii)
electricians, (iii) masons, (iv) painters, (v) plumbers, and (vi) tile workers.

5
Issue #4/2023 THE WORLD BANK
AFGHANISTAN ECONOMIC MONITOR
3. REVENUES
The total ITA revenue collections in 2022 amounted to AFN 193.9 billion. Surpassed the receipts in 2020
& 2021, these revenues derive mainly from border taxes and non-tax sources.
3.2. SHARE OF INLAND (ARD) AND CUSTOMS (ACD) REVENUES IN
3.1. TOTAL REVENUE COLLECTION – CUMULATIVE (AFN BILLIONS)
TOTAL COLLECTIONS
2020 2021 2022
193.9
200

160

120

80 ARD, 45%
40 ACD, 55%
0
(Jun 21–Jul 20)

(Nov 22–Dec 21)

(Apr 21–May 20)

(Oct 21–Nov 20)

(Dec 21–Jan 20)

(Jan 22–Feb 21)

(Mar 22–Apr 21)

(Aug 21–Sep 20)

(Feb 22–Mar 21)

(May 22–Jun 21)

(Jul 22–Aug 21)

(Sep 22–Oct 21)

M4 - Saratan

M11 - Dalwa
M7 - Meezan
M6 - Sunbula

M8 - Aqrab
M3 - Jawza
M1 - Hamal

M10 - Jadi
M5 - Asad

M12 - Hoot
M9 - Qaws
M2 - Sawr

3.3. REVENUES COLLECTED AT THE BORDER (AFN BILLIONS) 3.4. PERCENT SHARE OF COLLECTIONS AT BORDER CROSSINGS
2020 2021 2022 Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan
2020 2021 2022 2% Others, 1%
12 , 4%
Uzbekistan,
10 11%

6
Pakistan,
Iran, 14% 46%
4

0
Iran -
(Mar 22–Apr 21)

(Jan 22–Feb 21)

(Apr 21–May 20)

(Aug 21–Sep 20)

(Oct 21–Nov 20)

(Jul 22–Aug 21)

(Feb 22–Mar 21)

(May 22–Jun 21)

(Nov 22–Dec 21)

(Sep 22–Oct 21)
(Jun 21–Jul 20)

(Dec 21–Jan 20)

M4 - Saratan

M11 - Dalwa
M7 - Meezan
M6 - Sunbula

M8 - Aqrab
M3 - Jawza
M1 - Hamal

M5 - Asad

M10 - Jadi

M12 - Hoot
M9 - Qaws

Turkmenistan
M2 - Sawr

, 22%

3.5. INLAND REVENUE COLLECTION (AFN BILLIONS) 3.6. PERCENT SHARE OF ARD COLLECTIONS BY SOURCE
2020 2021 2022
STO, 3% Audit Dept,
2020 2021 2022
20 2%
18
16
14
Mustofiats,
12 17%
10 Ministries,
8 51%
6
4
2
0
TSD, 27%
(Mar 22–Apr 21)

(Aug 21–Sep 20)

(Jan 22–Feb 21)

(Oct 21–Nov 20)

(Feb 22–Mar 21)

(Apr 21–May 20)

(Jul 22–Aug 21)

(May 22–Jun 21)

(Nov 22–Dec 21)

(Sep 22–Oct 21)
(Jun 21–Jul 20)

(Dec 21–Jan 20)

M4 - Saratan

M11 - Dalwa
M7 - Meezan
M6 - Sunbula

M8 - Aqrab
M3 - Jawza
M1 - Hamal

M5 - Asad

M10 - Jadi

M12 - Hoot
M9 - Qaws
M2 - Sawr

Source: Ministry of Finance.

Note: The Afghan fiscal calendar month, Hamal, runs from March 22–April 21.

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Issue #4/2023 THE WORLD BANK
AFGHANISTAN ECONOMIC MONITOR
4. FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND FINANCIAL MARKET OPERATIONS
During March 2023, the AFN appreciated against major currencies as the country received monthly cash
shipments of US dollars in 2023 (US$ 0.6 billion in January–March 2023).
4.1. EXCHANGE RATE – INDEX JULY 2021 (HIGHER = DEPRECIATION)

AFN/Euro AFN/PKR AFN/INR AFN/IRT AFN/USD AFN/CY

160

140

120

100

80

60

40
5-Sep-21

17-Oct-21
31-Oct-21

23-Jan-22

4-Sep-22

16-Oct-22
30-Oct-22

22-Jan-23

5-Mar-23
6-Mar-22
19-Sep-21

15-May-22
29-May-22

18-Sep-22
14-Nov-21
28-Nov-21

20-Mar-22
12-Dec-21

12-Jun-22
26-Jun-22

13-Nov-22
27-Nov-22

19-Mar-23
6-Feb-22

3-Apr-22
17-Apr-22

7-Aug-22

5-Feb-23

2-Apr-23
16-Apr-23
10-Jul-22
24-Jul-22
3-Oct-21

26-Dec-21
9-Jan-22

20-Feb-22

21-Aug-22

2-Oct-22

11-Dec-22
25-Dec-22
8-Jan-23

19-Feb-23
1-May-22

4.2. EXCHANGE RATE – APPRECIATION/DEPRECIATION BY CURRENCY SINCE AUGUST 15, 2021

29-May- 29-Jun- 28-Jul- 30-Aug- 29-Sep- 27-Oct- 30-Nov- 31-Dec- 31-Jan- 28-Feb- 28-Mar- 18-Apr-
22 22 22 22 22 22 22 22 23 23 23 23
AFN/Euro 1.71 4.16 6.65 9.62 14.13 11.61 7.22 2.95 0.28 4.28 4.56 4.67
AFN/PKR 12.28 18.88 40.73 24.25 33.15 38.25 40.19 48.18 50.19 67.42 68.53 72.12
AFN/INR 9.55 10.55 9.05 11.23 12.50 13.26 15.18 13.41 12.69 11.73 13.04 13.48
AFN/IRT 0.00 10.34 10.34 10.34 10.34 23.08 23.08 33.33 45.45 88.24 68.42 77.78
AFN/US$D -3.38 -1.87 -3.98 -2.35 -2.36 -2.03 -2.61 -3.37 -3.87 -3.14 -0.74 1.06
AFN/CY -6.06 -0.32 -2.33 -1.22 2.80 1.65 2.40 -0.50 -1.90 -3.30 -2.86 -2.32
Source: Data from DAB, World Bank staff elaboration.

Availability of all major currencies improved in recent months, including in March 2023.

4.3. AVAILABILITY OF FOREIGN EXCHANGE ACCORDING TO MONEY SERVICE PROVIDERS

Adequate Limited Unavailable
100%

80%

60%

40%

20%

0%
UAE Dirhams

UAE Dirhams

UAE Dirhams

UAE Dirhams

UAE Dirhams

UAE Dirhams

UAE Dirhams

UAE Dirhams

UAE Dirhams

UAE Dirhams

UAE Dirhams

UAE Dirhams
US Dollars
Iranian Tomans

US Dollars
Iranian Tomans

US Dollars
Iranian Tomans

US Dollars
Iranian Tomans

US Dollars
Iranian Tomans

US Dollars
Iranian Tomans

US Dollars
Iranian Tomans

US Dollars
Iranian Tomans

US Dollars
Iranian Tomans

US Dollars
Iranian Tomans

US Dollars
Iranian Tomans

US Dollars
Iranian Tomans
Pakistani Rupees

Pakistani Rupees

Pakistani Rupees

Pakistani Rupees

Pakistani Rupees

Pakistani Rupees

Pakistani Rupees

Pakistani Rupees

Pakistani Rupees

Pakistani Rupees

Pakistani Rupees

Pakistani Rupees

Apr-22 May-22 Jun-22 Jul-22 Aug-22 Sep-22 Oct-22 Nov-22 Dec-22 Jan-23 Feb-23 Mar-23
Source: Survey data collected by the World Bank’s TPMA by visiting 144 money service providers in 48 markets in the country.
Note: Includes banks, Hawala operators, and informal currency exchangers.
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Issue #4/2023 THE WORLD BANK
AFGHANISTAN ECONOMIC MONITOR

All commercial banks, except one, can provide withdrawal facilities to individual customers up to the
withdrawal limits set by DAB. In contrast, firms remain constrained in withdrawing AFN and US$ deposits.
4.4. MONTHLY WITHDRAWALS – FIRMS (AFN MILLIONS) 4.5. MONTHLY WITHDRAWALS – FIRMS (US$)
Reported amount able to be withdrawn in Million AFS Reported amount able to be withdrawn in USD
Regulated limit in AFS Regulated limit in USD
3.0 30,000

2.5 25,000

2.0 20,000

1.5 15,000

1.0 10,000

0.5 5,000

0.0 -

Jul-22
Jan-22

May-22
Jun-22

Jan-23
Nov-22
Apr-22

Aug-22
Dec-21

Oct-22

Dec-22
Mar-22

Mar-23
Feb-22

Sep-22

Feb-23
May-22

Jul-22
Jan-22

Jan-23
Nov-22
Apr-22

Jun-22

Aug-22

Oct-22

Feb-23
Dec-21

Mar-22
Feb-22

Dec-22

Mar-23
Sep-22

4.6. MONTHLY WITHDRAWALS – INDIVIDUALS (AFN) 4.7. MONTHLY WITHDRAWALS – INDIVIDUALS (US$)
Reported amount able to be withdrawn in AFS Reported amount able to be withdrawn in USD
Regulated limit in AFS Regulated limit in USD
30,000 400
350
25,000
300
20,000 250
15,000 200
150
10,000
100
5,000 50
0 0
May-22

Jul-22

May-22

Jul-22

Nov-22
Jan-22

Jun-22

Jan-23

Jan-22

Jan-23
Nov-22

Jun-22
Apr-22

Aug-22

Oct-22

Apr-22

Aug-22

Oct-22
Dec-21

Feb-22
Mar-22

Dec-22

Feb-23
Mar-23

Dec-21

Feb-22
Mar-22

Dec-22

Feb-23
Mar-23
Sep-22

Sep-22
4.8. AVERAGE MONTHLY WITHDRAWAL – INDIVIDUAL (AFN)

Source: Survey data collected by the World Bank’s TPMA.

Note: Regulated limit as stipulated by DAB, and amounts depositors could withdraw as reported by individual respondents to the TPMA survey.

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Issue #4/2023 THE WORLD BANK
AFGHANISTAN ECONOMIC MONITOR

Over the past three months, civil servants have regularly received salaries.
4.9. CIVIL SERVANTS RECEIVED SALARIES DURING THE LAST THREE 4.10. MALE VS. FEMALE RESPONDENTS RECEIVING SALARIES IN
MONTHS THE LAST THREE MONTHS
Yes No Female Yes (%) Male Yes (%)
100% 100%
90% 90%
80% 80%
70% 70%
60% 60%

98.36%
97.97%
97.8%
97.3%

96.8%

96.9%
96.1%
96.1%

95.2%
88.3%

50% 50%
87.9%
82.4%

40% 40%
30% 30%
20% 20%
10% 10%
0% 0%

Jul-22
May-22

Jan-23
Apr-22

Aug-22

Nov-22
Jun-22

Oct-22

Dec-22
Mar-22

Mar-23
Sep-22

Feb-23
May-22

Jul-22

Jan-23
Nov-22
Mar-22

Jun-22
Apr-22

Aug-22

Oct-22

Dec-22

Mar-23
Feb-23
Sep-22

Cash and bank accounts are reported to be the two most common means of receiving salaries.
4.11. MODE OF SALARY PAYMENT (FOR THOSE WHO HAVE RECEIVED SALARIES DURING THE LAST THREE MONTHS)
Bank Account In Cash Hawala Others
100% 7%
11% 9% 8% 10% 10% 9% 8% 8%
90% 14% 11% 17%
80%
70%
60%
50% 93%
88% 89% 92% 90% 89% 89% 92% 92%
40% 84% 81% 76%
30%
20%
10%
0%
May-22

Jul-22

Jan-23
Nov-22
Jun-22

Oct-22
Apr-22

Aug-22

Dec-22
Mar-22

Feb-23

Mar-23
Sep-22

Crowding in bank branches and damaged currency notes are consistently the main problems faced in
withdrawing salaries.
4.12. CIVIL SERVANTS FACE CHALLENGES WHEN WITHDRAWING 4.13. CHALLENGES FACED BY CIVIL SERVANTS WHEN
SALARIES THROUGH BANKS WITHDRAWING SALARIES THROUGH BANKS
No Yes Crowding at the bank Lack of funds at the bank
Mar-23 63.3% 36.7% Damaged or old notes provided Others
Feb-23 60.4% 40.0% Mar-23
Jan-23 62.9% 40.8%
Dec-22 63.3% 38.8% Jan-23
Nov-22 66.3% 42.5%
Nov-22
Oct-22 61.3% 46.3%
Sep-22 60.4% 43.3% Sep-22
Aug-22 57.9% 47.9%
Jul-22 57.5% 55.8% Jul-22
Jun-22
May-22 48.8% 33.8% May-22
Apr-22 50.8% 44.6%
Mar-22
Mar-22 66.3% 37.1%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Source: Survey data collected by the World Bank’s TPMA.

Note: Data for civil servants for June 2022 are not available.

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5. TRADE DEVELOPMENTS
Merchandise imports have increased significantly in the first quarter of 2023. Coal and textile exports to
Pakistan drive the export performance. However, the trade deficit has widened.
5.1. AFGHANISTAN IMPORTS (US$ MILLIONS), Q1 2022 – Q1 2023 5.2. SHARE IN AFGHANISTAN IMPORTS (%), Q1 2022 – Q1 2023

Others Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles Others Miscellaneous Manufactured Articles

Stone / Glass Animal & Animal Products Stone / Glass Animal & Animal Products
Base Metals Plastics / Rubbers Base Metals Plastics / Rubbers
Chemicals & Allied Industries Transportation Chemicals & Allied Industries Transportation
Machinery / Electrical Textiles Machinery / Electrical Textiles
Mineral Products Food Group
Mineral Products Food Group
2000.0 1877.0 100%
1803.3

1626.4
1458.6 80%
1500.0 1363.0

60%

1000.0

40%

500.0
20%

0%
0.0
Q1-2022

Q2-2022

Q3-2022

Q4-2022

Q1-2023
Q1-2022

Q2-2022

Q3-2022

Q4-2022

Q1-2023

Source: ASYCUDA Source: ASYCUDA

5.3 AFGHANISTAN EXPORTS (US$ MILLIONS), Q1 2022 – Q1 2023 5.4 SHARE IN AFGHANISTAN EXPORTS (%), Q1 2022 – Q1 2023

Food Group Coal Textiles Others Food Group Coal Textiles Others
700.0 100%
611.0
90%
600.0
80%
486.1 491.5
500.0 458.6 70%

60%
400.0
327.6
50%
300.0 40%

200.0 30%

20%
100.0
10%

0.0 0%
Q1-2022

Q2-2022

Q3-2022

Q4-2022

Q1-2023
Q1-2022

Q2-2022

Q3-2022

Q4-2022

Q1-2023

Source: ASYCUDA Source: ASYCUDA

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6. PROVISION OF HEALTH SERVICES
Health Emergency Response (HER) Project has slightly improved ANC visits since February 2023.
6.1. SERVICES DELIVERED AT HER-FINANCED HEALTH FACILITIES
Ante-natal care visits Births at project facilities
350,000

300,000

250,000

200,000

150,000

100,000

50,000

Jul-22
Jan-22

May-22

Jan-23
Aug-22
Jun-22
Apr-22

Nov-22
Oct-22

Dec-22
Mar-22

Mar-23
Feb-22

Sep-22

Feb-23
Source: Health Management Information System.

Data notes: The Afghanistan Economic Monitor is produced by World Bank staff, drawing from various data sources. Reflecting limited
data availability, data sources and coverage may vary between editions. Data sources are cited for each chart. The Afghanistan
Economic Monitor uses data from the following sources: (i) official statistics on prices produced by the NSIA; (ii) data on prices and
wages collected from all provinces by the World Food Program; (iii) data on the availability of foreign exchange and cash collected
from 22 provinces by the World Bank’s TPMA; (iv) data on exchange rates collected and reported by DAB; and (v) data on trade
from the NSIA.

For analytical products in Afghanistan, kindly visit https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/afghanistan.

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