Residents of Kabul complain about the rising prices of second-hand clothing and shoes in city markets. They say that in the past, they could purchase clothing from these markets for 50 to 100 Afghanis, but since the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan, prices in these markets have risen to an unprecedented level. According to these residents, they cannot afford to buy new clothing from stores and are compelled to meet their needs through second-hand markets. Kabul residents, speaking to the Hasht-e Subh Daily, called for price regulation and support for low-income segments of society. Capital residents regard the second-hand markets as a lifeline under current conditions and add that, given the rise in unemployment, this is the only way they can meet their basic needs.
Sima, one of the residents of Kabul, came to the market with an orange bag she has decorated with hand embroidery to buy clothing for her three daughters, but she is worried about the unprecedented increase in the price of second-hand clothing in city markets. She says this unusual price rise has destroyed the purchasing power of low-income families.
This woman adds: “My son, it is clear from the name ‘second-hand market’ that it is a market for the poor and the displaced, but now even here nothing can be bought. This green jacket is being sold for 450 Afghanis. If I buy this for one of my daughters, what should I do for the other two? Since the Taliban came, we have not benefited from this market either.”
Sitara, another resident of Kabul, says she has always relied on second-hand markets to meet her family’s needs because of the low prices of second-hand goods. She adds that due to rising clothing prices in the current year (2025), she has not been able to buy much. Sitara says: “I often buy clothes from the second-hand market because they are both good quality and reasonably priced. If we buy a winter jacket from a store for 1,000 Afghanis, it does not even last two days, whereas with the same 1,000 Afghanis in the second-hand market, you can buy clothing for several people.”
Amir Ali and Ahmad say that they have low incomes, and when buying clothing and shoes from the second-hand markets, they try to choose the best quality so they can use them for several months.
Amir Ali says: “I no longer buy other second-hand goods, but I do buy the shoes and sandals because they are good quality. In the summer, I visit this market because it has good sandals that do not hurt the feet and are reasonably priced.”
Ahmad adds, “People are poor, and more than design and style, they pay attention to the quality of the clothing or shoes they buy. Anything from the second-hand market usually has good quality. Although second-hand, most of them are usable and suitable; that is why I also buy from this market.”
Obaid, a Kabul resident, says that in the past he frequently used second-hand clothing, but now, due to Taliban control and the current situation, he no longer uses these items. According to him, after the Taliban took control, using second-hand items is not possible everywhere.
This Kabul resident adds, “In this season, people buy more clothing than before. Second-hand goods are imported from other countries, and our people cannot afford new goods. Some of these clothes are also very good in terms of style, such as blouses, jackets, and trousers, which are widely used in Kabul and other provinces.”
The buying and selling of winter clothing in second-hand markets in Afghanistan is not new. Historically, many people of Afghanistan have mainly bought winter clothing from second-hand sellers, and this practice continues to this day.
Some believe that due to poverty, hardship, and unemployment, people rush to second-hand markets during winter; however, contrary to this perception, it is sometimes observed that well-off and wealthy families also use second-hand or second-hand clothing because some of these items are desirable and good quality.
Forouhar is one of these families that prefers second-hand clothing due to foreign style and tailoring. He explains: “Second-hand clothing is not just clothing for our people; it is a story. We choose these clothes based on our taste. Most of these clothes are imported from foreign countries and are made of durable and beautiful materials. Also, in second-hand markets, one can find clothes with special designs and models that are not seen in ordinary shops.”
Saami, another Kabul resident, says she mainly uses second-hand clothing to look stylish. She adds, “I have used both corporate clothing and second-hand clothing. Second-hand clothing is both high-quality and attractive. The sellers in this market also have good manners. These clothes are both economical and stylish.”
Pouya, a resident of Kabul, considers the second-hand market the most suitable option for all segments of society. He says, “In the winter, if you come to this market at the right time and search well, you can find good items. A piece of clothing that costs 600 Afghanis in the second-hand market is priced at 2,000 Afghanis in a store. But this same 600-Afghani clothing will last ten years and is also warm.”
Meanwhile, some shopkeepers say that the closure of the Torkham crossing has caused an increase in the price of second-hand clothing. They add that they buy second-hand goods in large bundles at high prices from traders and are forced to sell them to the people at higher prices.
Sultan (pseudonym), one of the vendors in the second-hand market, says: “Second-hand clothing is imported from Pakistan to Afghanistan. In a bale, the price has increased by 1,500 to 2,000 Afghanis. The Chabahar port, which was a good opportunity for the people of Afghanistan, has been closed due to US sanctions on Iran. Today, I went to buy a bale, and he said 12,000 Afghanis, whereas previously I used to buy it for nine and a half thousand Afghanis.”
The second-hand market, which has long been one of the thriving markets in Afghanistan, has had advantages for both the people and the sellers. On one hand, people can obtain clothing at lower prices, and on the other hand, it has provided employment and income opportunities for some individuals.
Currently, the price of second-hand clothing in the capital’s markets ranges from 200 to 800 Afghanis. Shoe prices vary from 100 to 2,000 Afghanis, and handbags also have different prices. Second-hand socks are also sold in some of these markets for 10 Afghanis.
You can read the Persian version of this report here:
زندهگی دشوار در سایه طالبان؛ حتا بازار لیلامی به کابوس فقرا تبدیل شده است
