Azerbaijan's Non‑Oil Exports Surge to $5.1 Billion in First Five Months of 2026

Azerbaijan’s non‑oil exports rose sharply to $5.1 billion between January and May 2026, an increase of $3.7 billion or 3.6‑times the same period a year earlier. The United Kingdom was the top destination with $3.5 billion, followed by Russia, Turkey, Georgia and Switzerland. Overall foreign‑trade activity reached $20.8 billion, with exports totaling $14 billion and imports $6.8 billion, creating a trade surplus of $7.2 billion – up 6.9‑times year‑on‑year.

The growth reflects the government’s focus on diversifying the economy away from oil. The non‑oil sector now accounts for about 71.5 % of GDP, up from 44 % two decades ago. Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov highlighted priority areas such as mining, agriculture, logistics, tourism, renewable energy, finance and digitalisation, and noted support measures including credit guarantees, interest subsidies and development of industrial parks and free‑economic zones, notably the Alat Free Economic Zone.

Azerbaijan’s political stability, low public debt, ample foreign‑exchange reserves and strategic location on the Middle Corridor have boosted its investment attractiveness, positioning the country as a regional logistics hub.