Foreign trade

In the first half of 2009 the foreign trade turnover with 122 countries comprised $8530.5mln.

The amount of export decreased by 66.77% as compared to last year and comprised $5811.6mln, while import declined 11.86%, totaling $2718.8mln.  

Azerbaijan exported 1,459 types of goods and imported 5,004. Thus, the black ink of import-export operations amounted to $3092.7mln.

In this period the highest level of export fell on June - $1220.5mln 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 animal and vegetable oil and tobacco products saw an increase in the first half year of 2009. As compared with six months of last year, when the growth of world prices stimulated exports of Azeri oil to world markets, in January to June 2009 there has been a decrease in exports of oil and oil products.

Structure of export in January-June 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 $1514.7mln which makes up 26.06% of total exports. Mainly oil and oil products are exported to this country. Italy is followed by U.S. ($749.3mln) and France ($489.3mln). 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 $5480.4mln (94.3%), private sector held $273.7mln (4.71%). The share of export operations by physical entities comprised $57.4mln (0.99%). 

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 the first half year Azerbaijan imported 31,713 cars totaling $213.5mln, a decrease of 45.11%.

Structure of import in January-June 2009

Source: State Statistics Committee

The traditional domination of three countries in import seems to be as: Russia ($475.5mln), Turkey ($363.7mln) and Germany with $278.94mln.  

Some 27.25% of import operations, or $740.97mln fell on public sector, 68.09% or $1851.3mln - private sector, while 4.65% or $126.6mln - on physical entities.

In total, 6,476 legal entities (3,142) and physical entities (3,334) participated in the foreign trade operations.

In the first half year of 2009, Azerbaijan imported goods amounting to $828.17mln (30.46% out of the total volume of the country's import) from the CIS countries. CIS exported to Azerbaijan grains (15.18%), land vehicles (8.77%), equipment and mechanical rigs (14.02%), tobacco and its substitute (6.0%).

Amount of the Azerbaijani goods exported to CIS countries totaled $713.75mln (12.28% out of the total volume of the country's export). Azerbaijan exported to CIS mineral fuel, oil products, bitumen minerals (60%), fruits (6.09%), animal and vegetable oil (8.86%).

The red ink from the export-import operations totaled $114.436mln.