Foreign trade (january-october)

In January to October 2009, Azerbaijan's foreign trade turnover with 136 countries comprised $16517.6 million.

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. 

The amount of export decreased by 74.86 percent as compared to last year and comprised $11.56 billion, while import declined 16.00%, totaling $4956.6mln. Azerbaijan exported 1,990 types of goods and imported 5,600. Thus, the black ink of import-export operations amounted to $6604.4mln.

In this period the highest level of export fell on October - $1568.6mln and the lowest on January - $694.4mln. As to import operations the highest level of import was observed in October ($579.5mln) and the lowest in March ($401.5mln).

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, in October 2009 the country exported 15.809,4 tons of cotton. This makes up 139.3 percent of the export of this product for 10 months of 2008. In 2009, Azerbaijan exports cotton at a price of $980 per ton, but in October the price increased to $1063.16.

Structure of export in January-October 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 $2948.9mln which makes up 25.51% of total exports. Mainly oil and oil products are exported to this country. Italy is followed by U.S. ($1370.4mln) and France ($1017.6mln). 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 $10789.7mln (93.33%), private sector held $673.1mln (5.82%). The share of export operations by physical entities comprised $98.2mln (0.85%). 

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 October, Azerbaijan imported 53,541 cars, a decrease of 39.1%.

Structure of import in January-October 2009

Source: State Statistics Committee

The traditional domination of three countries in import seems to be as: Russia ($894.4mln), Turkey ($722.6mln) and Germany with $468.9mln.  

Some 32.13% of import operations, or $1592.8mln fell on public sector, 63.03% or $3123.9mln - private sector, while 4.84% or $239.8mln - on physical entities.

In January-October 2009, Azerbaijan imported goods amounting to $1547.3mln (31.22% out of the total volume of the country's import) from the CIS countries. CIS exported to Azerbaijan grains (11.09%), land vehicles (8.16%), equipment and mechanical rigs (9.26%).

Amount of the Azerbaijani goods exported to CIS countries totaled $1324.5mln (11.46% out of the total volume of the country's export). Azerbaijan exported to CIS mineral fuel, oil products, bitumen minerals (50.19%), vegetables (4.67%), animal and vegetable oil (7.58%).

The red ink in import-export operations with CIS countries totaled $222.8mln.