Foreign trade

In January to May 2008 the foreign trade turnover with 120 countries comprised $6853.3mln.

The amount of export decreased by 69.12% as compared to last year and comprised $4591.3mln, while import declined 8.16%, totaling $2262.1mln.  

Azerbaijan exported 1,300 types of goods and imported 4,797. Thus, the black ink of import-export operations amounted to $2329.2mln.

In this period the highest level of export fell on April - $1.054.9mln and the lowest on January - $694.4mln. As to import operations the highest level of import was observed in January ($518.2mln) and the lowest in March ($395.8mln).

The export of oil, animal and vegetable oil saw an increase in January to May 2009. The fruit and vegetable production fell due to seasonal reasons. As compared with five months of last year, when the growth of world prices stimulated exports of Azeri oil to world markets, in January to May 2009 there has been a decrease in exports of oil and oil products.

Structure of export in January-May 2009

Source: State Statistics Committee

In this period the highest amount of export fell on Italy. Thus, in 2009 Azerbaijan exported commodities to Italy totaling $1304.6mln which makes up 28.41% of total exports. Italy is followed by U.S. ($466.1mln) and France ($442.3mln). Italy has maintained its leading position since 2008 excluding early three months. Turkey took a lead in January and U.S. in February and March 2008. 

The share of public sector in exports made up $4350.7mln (94.76%), private sector held $214.1mln (4.66%). The share of export operations by physical entities comprised $26.4mln (0.57%). 

The largest growth in the import was recorded with regards to pharmaceutical products, the lowest on transport facilities and spare parts for them.

Reduction of import of cars to Azerbaijan during the reported period is connected with influence of global financial crisis when car sale reduced because of restriction of credits by the banks. According to the data provided by the State Customs Committee, in January to May Azerbaijan imported 26,446 cars totaling $174.078mln, a decrease of 42.8%.

Structure of import in January-April 2009

Source: State Statistics Committee

The traditional domination of three countries in import seems to be as: Russia ($385.7mln), Turkey ($311.6mln) and Germany with $239.3mln.  

Some 26.63% of import operations, or $62.4mln fell on public sector, 68.71% or $1554.8mln - private sector, while 4.63% or $104.8mln - on physical entities.

In total, 5971 legal entities (2,959) and physical entities (3,012) participated in the foreign trade operations.

In January to May 2009, Azerbaijan imported goods amounting to $673.7mln (29.79% out of the total volume of the country's import) from the CIS countries. CIS exported to Azerbaijan grains (13.59%), land vehicles (9.11%), equipment and mechanical rigs (14.36%), tobacco and its substitute (6.20%).

Amount of the Azerbaijani goods exported to CIS countries totaled $613.2mln (13.36% out of the total volume of the country's export). Azerbaijan exported to CIS mineral fuel, oil products, bitumen minerals (66.14%), fruits (2.31%), animal and vegetable oil (8.47%).

The red ink from the export-import operations totaled $60.6mln.