The January 2018 issue of the “Export Review” prepared by the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC) has been released. The review reports that in 2017, non-oil exports totaled USD 1.538 billion, representing a 24% increase compared to 2016. During the year, 1,923 exporters were involved in export operations.

According to data from the State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan, the largest destination for Azerbaijan’s non-oil exports in 2017 was the Russian Federation, with exports amounting to USD 553 million.

Among non-oil products exported in 2017, tomatoes ranked first with USD 151.6 million, followed by gold (USD 125.4 million) and shelled hazelnuts (USD 114.5 million). Overall, exports included USD 503 million in fruits and vegetables, USD 118 million in aluminum and aluminum products, USD 101 million in plastics and plastic products, USD 83 million in ferrous metals and related products, USD 80 million in chemical products, USD 52 million in cotton, USD 51 million in electricity, USD 39 million in sugar, and USD 10 million in tea.

Compared to 2016, notable growth was recorded in cotton exports (2.1 times), electricity exports (80%), tobacco products (72%), tea (66%), chemical products (42%), fruits and vegetables (35%), aluminum products (20%), beverages (17%), and plastic products (2%). In December 2017 alone, 457 exporters carried out non-oil exports worth USD 151.7 million.

The review also notes that the range of exported goods increased by 9% in 2017 compared to 2016.

The “Export Review” presents rankings of major non-oil exporters from both the private and public sectors and includes information on services exports. It highlights that Azercosmos exported satellite services to more than 20 countries, generating USD 23 million in service export revenues in 2017.

Importantly, the review reports that during 2017, the Azexport.az portal received export orders worth USD 475 million from 74 countries worldwide. In December 2017 alone, export orders received through the portal amounted to USD 30.4 million.

The “Export Review” also provides updates on export support measures, including services offered by the “One-Stop Shop” Export Support Center, export promotion payments, state support for international certification, organization of buyer missions, and sectoral export studies.

The primary goal of the “Export Review” is to raise exporters’ awareness, expand access for local products to both traditional and new markets, and accelerate Azerbaijan’s integration into global markets. The publication is available in the Reviews section of www.iqtisadiislahat.org.