The reason for Finland’s leading position is the import of Karakul sheep pelts, which are brought to Finland and auctioned off.
Afghanistan brought more than 3.3 million euros in sheep pelts to Finland in the last quarter of 2014, according to official Afghani export statistics.
Karakul sheep farming is a very important source of livelihood in northern Afghanistan.
According to the Afghanistan-Finland Trade Association, most of the products are sold in auctions organised by the Finnish Saga Furs auction house.
These furs then move on to Russia, the Far East and to European fashion houses.
Trade between the countries is mainly due to a strong Afghani surplus, according to the trade association.
In 2013, 13.7 million euros in imports came from Afghanistan into Finland, while only 1.6 million were exported.
