New directions in the export geography of Turkmenistan
In January-May 2019, export of Turkmenistan to the UK increased by 5.9 times compared with the first five months of 2018. Though, the volume of deliveries is a quite small yet (for example, export to neighbor Afghanistan is 12 times more, to Turkey – 8-9 times, and to Russia – 6-7 times more), the growth in this new direction in the geography of Turkmen export is impressive. According to the State Statistics Committee of Turkmenistan, in this period, export of Turkmen goods to the U.S. increased by 4.5 times, to Uzbekistan – by 4.4 times and to Belarus – by 4.3 times. The cost volumes of export deliveries of cement (by 5.2 times), textile products, raw silk, iodine, licorice extract, mineral fertilizers, carpets, etc., are increased as well. There is a trend for growth in export of products that have recently started to be manufactured in Turkmenistan: in January-May 2019, exports of glass and glassware amounted to 3 million US dollars, plastic pipes - 4.6 million US dollars. At the same time, there was significant increase in import of Turkmenistan from France only – by 5.6 times. At the same time, many import positions show a steady decline, which proves the effective import substitution policy pursued in Turkmenistan. Pharmaceutical products, which cost volume is increasing, as well as optical instruments and devices, trees and plants, animals share the largest parts in import of the country.
