Afghanistan has exported its first shipment of natural stone to the United States, valued at $100,000, in a milestone that authorities say could help expand the country's mining exports and open new opportunities in international markets.

The Herat provincial governor's office said on Wednesday that the shipment consists of black decorative stone extracted from Zendajan district in western Herat and exported by a private Afghan company. According to the statement, the consignment was shipped to the United States through the Herat Chamber of Industries, marking the country's first known export of natural stone to the U.S. market.

Officials described the shipment as a significant step toward diversifying Afghanistan's export destinations and increasing the value of its mineral exports, a sector viewed as critical to the country's long-term economic recovery.

Herat is one of Afghanistan's main production centers for marble and decorative stone, with local companies supplying regional markets for years. Industry representatives say access to larger international markets could boost production, attract investment and create employment in the province.

Afghanistan is estimated to hold vast untapped mineral resources, including marble, gemstones, copper, iron ore, lithium and rare earth elements. Despite this potential, decades of conflict, inadequate infrastructure, limited processing capacity and financial constraints have slowed the sector's development.

Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban administration has sought to increase mining exports and attract foreign investment, presenting the sector as a pillar of economic growth. However, international sanctions, banking restrictions, limited access to global financial systems and the lack of formal international recognition continue to hinder trade, investment and large-scale resource development.

The export also comes as Afghanistan faces a prolonged economic and humanitarian crisis marked by high unemployment, declining foreign aid and widespread poverty. Economists say expanding legal exports and developing value-added industries could help generate foreign currency earnings and reduce dependence on humanitarian assistance, although sustained growth will depend on improved infrastructure, greater investor confidence and broader access to international markets.

Officials expressed hope that the shipment will introduce Afghanistan natural stone to U.S. buyers and pave the way for additional exports, strengthening the country's presence in global construction and decorative stone markets.

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