Foreign trade (26.10- 31.10.2009)

In January to September 2009 the foreign trade turnover with 132 countries comprised $14355.9mln.

The amount of export decreased by 74.37% as compared to last year and comprised $9986.7mln, while import declined 16.49%, totaling $4369.2mln. 

Azerbaijan exported 1,804 types of goods and imported 5,445. Thus, the black ink of import-export operations amounted to $5617.5mln.

In this period the highest level of export fell on August - $1440.1mln and the lowest on January - $694.4mln. As to import operations the highest level of import was observed in August ($572.1mln) and the lowest in March ($397.8mln).

In January to September 2009, decrease was recorded in all types of exported products of the country, except tobacco and cotton. According to the data provided by the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan, as of September 1, 2009 the country exported 10,691.4 tons of cotton worth $10.3 million. This makes up 122.5 percent of the export of this product for 8 months of 2008. In 2009, Azerbaijan exports cotton at a price of $957 per ton. As of September 7 the country this year collected 427,000 tons of cotton.

As compared with January-September of last year, when the growth of world prices stimulated exports of Azeri oil to world markets, in January to September 2009 there has been a decrease in exports of oil and oil products. The export of the chemical products also significantly decreased due to the reduction in the production of the chemical industry. 

Structure of export in January-September 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 $2480.3mln which makes up 24.84% of total exports. Mainly oil and oil products are exported to this country. Italy is followed by U.S. ($1157.8mln) and France ($890.6mln). 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 $9344.9mln (93.57%), private sector held $561.3mln (5.62%). The share of export operations by physical entities comprised $80.6mln (0.81%). 

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. In addition, the ban on importing cars not meeting ecological and operation standards caused the reduction in car import.  According to the data provided by the State Customs Committee, in January to September, Azerbaijan imported 47,879 cars totaling $3.397mln, a decrease of 41.8%.

Structure of import in January-September 2009

Source: State Statistics Committee

The traditional domination of three countries in import seems to be as: Russia ($792.2mln), Turkey ($662.4mln) and Germany with $423.4mln.  

Some 31.18% of import operations, or $1362.5mln fell on public sector, 64.15% or $2802.7mln - private sector, while 4.67% or $203.9mln - on physical entities.

In total, 7,912 legal entities (3,666) and physical entities (4,246) participated in the foreign trade operations.

In January-September 2009, Azerbaijan imported goods amounting to $1367.8mln (31.31% out of the total volume of the country's import) from the CIS countries. CIS exported to Azerbaijan grains (11.43%), land vehicles (8.51%), equipment and mechanical rigs (9.86%).

Amount of the Azerbaijani goods exported to CIS countries totaled $1172.8mln (11.74% out of the total volume of the country's export). Azerbaijan exported to CIS mineral fuel, oil products, bitumen minerals (53.06%), vegetables (4.01%), animal and vegetable oil (7.21%).