Afghan Exporters to Attend Shanghai Import Expo in 2026
Afghan businesses will look to secure trade partnerships for carpets and saffron at the upcoming import event in Shanghai.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in International Trade
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Afghan entrepreneurs are preparing to attend the China International Import Expo in Shanghai to secure new trade partnerships for domestic goods. Companies are targeting the Chinese market to diversify their export bases and integrate local products into international supply chains.
Why it matters
Access to international markets is a key driver for Afghan businesses looking to scale production and support economic recovery. By connecting directly with Chinese buyers, producers seek to move beyond local distribution and integrate into global trade flows.
Qader Rauf Company, which employs 350 to 400 women, exported 6,500 square meters of handwoven carpets to China in 2026. The firm plans to display 80 to 90 percent of its products at the expo to capture further market share.
The players
Qader Rauf Company
An Afghan enterprise specializing in handwoven carpets that employs between 350 and 400 women.
Dara-e-Noor Rose Herbal Pharma
A producer based in Nangarhar province focused on rose-based goods seeking initial market entry into China.
Jahan Saffron
An Afghan producer aiming to secure distribution channels for its saffron products in the Chinese market.
The details
Afghan companies leverage the expo to bypass intermediaries and engage directly with Chinese buyers. Producers of saffron, carpets, and rose-based goods utilize the venue to display product quality and negotiate volume terms. Dara-e-Noor Rose Herbal Pharma is joining the event for the first time to establish its footprint, while established exporters like Qader Rauf focus on scaling current supply lines.
Timeline
2018 marked the inaugural edition of the China International Import Expo.
Qader Rauf Company exported 6,500 square meters of carpets during 2026.
The article was published on October 27, 2026.
Market Landscape
The participation of these firms follows the pattern set by the China International Import Expo to bridge the gap between emerging-market producers and the Chinese retail sector. This strategy mirrors broader industry efforts to diversify supply chains through direct cross-border trade.
Operators in emerging markets should track how these direct trade channels impact procurement pricing and supply chain reliability. Diversification into the Chinese market requires evaluating regulatory readiness and the logistical capacity to meet high-volume demand.
The takeaway
Direct engagement with international buyers is essential for scaling production when local markets are saturated. Companies should track the export volumes and partnership outcomes of these Afghan firms as a case study for entering the Chinese market.
Further reading
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