Foreign trade of Azerbaijan (for 2010)

In 2010, Azerbaijan's foreign trade turnover with 147 countries comprised $27.9 billion. The amount of export increased by 45.05% as compared to last year and comprised $21.3bln, while import increased 7.78%, totaling $6.6bln. Azerbaijan exported 2,186 types of goods and imported 6,057. During the reported period, the indicator of export exceeded the indicator of import and thus, the black ink of import-export operations amounted to $14.7bln. 

In 2010, the highest level of export fell on June - $2068.4mln and the lowest on March - $1287.9mln. As to import operations the highest level of import was observed in December ($884.2mln) and the lowest in February ($345.3mln).

In 2010, increase was recorded in all types of exported products of the country, except vegetable, fruits, aluminum and cotton. However, the decrease in exports of aluminum is not associated with a reduction in the production of aluminum in the country, but vice-versa, the production of this product has grown and will grow each year thanks to a loan from the Central Bank of Azerbaijan for development of aluminum industry. Aluminium has a high export potential and reduction resulted from the fact that during the global crisis, the purchasing capacity in importing countries has decreased.

And the reason of the decline of exports of fruits and vegetables was natural disasters that have occurred in the regions of Azerbaijan this year because of the floods in the Kur and Araz rivers, which affected 40 districts of Azerbaijan, causing significant damage to crops of fruit.

The decline in cotton exports compared with 2009 (30.24 percent) is explained with a decrease in the price per ton. So, if in 2009, Azerbaijan exported cotton at an average cost of $993.48 per ton, in 2010 the average export price fell to $703.33 s per ton. Accordingly, revenue from its exports fell by 78.5 percent.

Structure of export in 2010

Source: State Statistics Committee

In this period the highest amount of export fell on Italy. Thus, in 2010 Azerbaijan exported commodities to Italy totaling $7.097bln which makes up 33.28% of total exports. Mainly oil and oil products are exported to this country. Italy is followed by France ($1.856bln) and Israel ($1.744bln). 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 $20.183bln (94.65%), private sector held $1.005mln (4.71%). The share of export operations by physical entities comprised $135.7mln (0.64%).   

Main types of products exported from Azerbaijan in 2010

Source: State Customs Committee

An increase was recorded in imported products in 2010. Strengthening of the national currency, which is observed in Azerbaijan, had a positive effect on imports, that is, imports become cheaper. Buying products in other countries for U.S. dollar and selling them in country for local currency bring additional benefits. Growth in import is recorded on all indicators, except cars and equipment.

With regards to reduction in imports of cars, according to official statistics, the import of cars in Azerbaijan in 2010 declined by 18 percent. For whole 2010, 51,816 cars were imported in amount of $451.5 million at an average cost of a car at $8,713.1. Imported cars in 2010 were equivalent to 81.7 per cent of imports in 2009.

Renewal is observed in import of pharmaceutical products. After the Ministry of Health took measures to identify and prevent the supply of substandard medicines into the country, there was a reduction in imports of these products.

Structure of import in 2010

Source: State Statistics Committee

The traditional domination of three countries in import seems to be as: Russia ($1.144mln), Turkey ($771.1mln) and Germany ($607.2mln).     

Some 28.98% of import operations, or $1.912bln fell on public sector, 65.89% or $4348.5mln - private sector, while 5.13% or $338.6mln - on physical entities.

Main types of products imported into Azerbaijan
in 2010

Source: State Customs Committee

In total, 7,772 legal entities (3,661) and physical entities (4,111) participated in the foreign trade operations.

In 2010, Azerbaijan imported goods amounting to $2055.2mln (31.14% out of the total volume of the country's import) from the CIS countries. CIS exported to Azerbaijan grains (14.95%), ferrous metal (7.15%), equipment and mechanical rigs (10.89%).  

Amount of the Azerbaijani goods exported to CIS countries totaled $1984.3mln (9.31% out of the total volume of the country's export). Azerbaijan exported to CIS fuel, oil products, bitumen minerals (57.71%), fruits (5.09%), animal and vegetable oil (8.74%) and other.

The black ink in import-export operations with CIS countries totaled $70.9mln.