Azerbaijan's non-oil and gas exports, excluding non-monetary gold, increased by 13 percent in January-April of this year compared to the same period in 2023, reaching a total value of $1.1 billion.
The Operative Information Center-OMM, citing the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication, reports that significant growth was observed across various sectors during the reporting period. Sugar exports surged fourfold, while cotton yarn exports grew 2.3 times. Other notable increases included animal and vegetable fats and oils by 71 percent, cotton fiber by 49.9 percent, aluminum and related products by 32.2 percent, and fruits and vegetables by 22.1 percent. Additionally, tea exports rose by 12.1 percent, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages saw a 9.4 percent increase.
The diversification of the economy remains a strategic priority for the government of Azerbaijan as it seeks to reduce its historical reliance on the energy sector. In recent years, the Cabinet of Ministers has implemented various incentive programs and established specialized economic zones to bolster the production and export of competitive non-oil products. This growth in the agrarian and agro-industrial sectors, which collectively reached $417.3 million in the first four months of the year, reflects the ongoing efforts to modernize the country's industrial base and expand its footprint in international markets.
