According to the CAERC Export Review (September 2018 issue), Azerbaijan’s total exports from January to August 2018 reached USD 12.9 billion, with the non-oil sector contributing USD 1.094 billion, marking a 14% increase compared to the same period in 2017.

Key export destinations for non-oil goods were:

• Russia: USD 375 million

• Turkey: USD 249.8 million

• Switzerland: USD 92 million

• Georgia: USD 88.5 million

• China: USD 32 million

The leading non-oil products were:

1. Tomatoes: USD 144.4 million

2. Gold: USD 81 million

3. Low-density polyethylene (less than 0.94 g/cm³): USD 63 million

Other notable non-oil exports included:

• Fruits and vegetables: USD 316 million

• Plastics and products: USD 90 million

• Aluminium and products: USD 91 million

• Electricity: USD 60 million

• Ferrous metals and products: USD 57 million

• Cotton fiber: USD 58 million

• Chemical products: USD 41 million

• Cotton yarn: USD 14 million

Export growth by category (compared to Jan–Aug 2017):

• Electricity: +64%

• Cotton yarn: +35%

• Plastics: +22%

• Fruits and vegetables: +17%

• Aluminium: +14%

• Ferrous metals: +1%

In August 2018, non-oil exports totaled USD 125 million, with the top countries being:

1. Turkey – USD 34.5 million

2. Russia – USD 22 million

3. Switzerland – USD 13.9 million

4. Ireland – USD 10 million

5. Georgia – USD 7.2 million

Top exported products in August 2018:

1. Gold – USD 12.6 million

2. Cotton fiber – USD 12.4 million

3. Unprocessed aluminium – USD 8.4 million

Leading non-oil exporters (Jan–Aug 2018) included:

• Azerbaijan International Mining Company Ltd.

• Kapitan Fruits MMC

• MKT Istehsalat Kommersiya MMC

• Baku Steel Company MMC

• Gala Fruits & Vegetables Import-Export MMC

• Food Export Shamkir MMC

• Azfruittrade MMC

• Azerbaijan Sugar Production Union MMC

• Sun Food MMC

• Iskenderov Sahib Samed oglu

State-owned exporters were led by SOCAR Marketing and Economic Operations Department, followed by Det-al Aluminium MMC, Azerenerji ATSC, Azerbaijan Airlines, Azergold QSC, SOCAR Methanol MMC, CTS-Agro MMC, Food Supply and Procurement ASC, Nakhchivan State Energy Service, and Surakhani Machinery Plant Subsidiary ASC.

Services exports:

• Azercosmos ASC provided satellite and optical telecommunication services to 22 countries, generating USD 15.3 million in Jan–Aug 2018, accounting for 86% of its total revenue. Key markets: France, Malaysia, UAE, Germany, Georgia.

• In August 2018 alone, service exports were USD 1.3 million.

Foreign visitors and card transactions:

• Jan–Aug 2018: 1,976.9 thousand foreign visitors (+8.5% YoY)

• Card transactions: AZN 888 million (+26% YoY)

• August 2018 alone: AZN 141 million (+39% YoY)

Azexport.az portal:

• Jan–Aug 2018: 367 million USD in export orders, including USD 51.5 million in August

• 19% increase YoY compared to Jan–Aug 2017

• Total from Jan 2017 to 31 Aug 2018 (20 months): USD 842 million from 103 countries

One-Stop Export Support Center:

• Sept 2018: provided export certifications to individuals and companies

• Export value through the center exceeded USD 11.2 million

• Currently, 10% of non-oil exports are documented via this center

The Export Review also highlighted Azerbaijani products showcased at WorldFood Moscow 2018 and emphasizes the goal of educating entrepreneurs, expanding access to traditional and new markets, and accelerating integration into international trade.