Turkmenistan Major Exports
Turkmenistan, located in Central Asia, is a country rich in natural resources, particularly hydrocarbons, and has a significant role in regional and global trade. The country’s export economy is heavily dependent on energy exports, notably natural gas, but it also has strong agricultural sectors, especially cotton production, and growing industries in chemicals and textiles. Despite its relatively small population and landlocked location, Turkmenistan maintains strong trade ties with neighboring countries and international markets, particularly in energy, agriculture, and raw materials.
Hydrocarbon Exports: Natural Gas and Oil Dominance
Natural Gas
Natural gas is by far the most important export of Turkmenistan, contributing the largest share of the country’s export revenue. Turkmenistan possesses some of the world’s largest natural gas reserves, primarily located in the Galkynysh gas field, which plays a pivotal role in its energy exports. The country exports natural gas primarily to China, Russia, and Iran, though it has been expanding its export routes through new pipelines and agreements with regional partners.
- Key Export Destinations: China is the largest importer of Turkmen natural gas, followed by Russia and Iran.
- Export Characteristics: Natural gas is exported in bulk, typically via pipeline, and is used for domestic energy generation, industrial applications, and heating in importing countries.
Trade Value:
- Natural gas exports contribute around $6 billion USD annually to Turkmenistan’s export economy, making it the largest sector in terms of trade value.
Crude Oil
Although Turkmenistan’s oil production is smaller than its natural gas output, it still remains a significant source of export revenue. The country produces crude oil from several oil fields, and although it is not among the world’s top producers, it plays an essential role in Central Asia’s oil exports. Most of Turkmenistan’s oil is refined domestically or exported to neighboring countries for further processing.
- Key Export Destinations: Key markets for Turkmen oil include China, Turkey, and some European countries.
- Export Characteristics: Oil exports mainly consist of crude oil, but refined petroleum products are also part of Turkmenistan’s oil export portfolio.
Trade Value:
- Crude oil exports are valued at approximately $1.5 billion USD annually, reflecting Turkmenistan’s role as a regional energy exporter.
Agricultural Exports: Cotton and Textiles
Cotton
Cotton has long been one of Turkmenistan’s most vital exports, and the country is one of the largest cotton producers in the world. Cotton cultivation is central to the country’s agricultural sector, and the government has made it a key priority to maintain high yields. The cotton is used domestically in the textile industry, as well as exported for processing in other countries.
- Key Export Destinations: Major cotton export markets include China, Russia, and several European countries.
- Export Characteristics: Turkmenistan exports raw cotton, which is processed into textiles abroad, and also ships cotton yarn and fabric.
Trade Value:
- Cotton exports contribute around $1.2 billion USD annually to Turkmenistan’s economy, making it a significant agricultural export.
Textiles
The textile industry in Turkmenistan has been growing, aided by the country’s large cotton production. Turkmen cotton is spun into yarn and woven into fabric, which is then exported. The development of the textile industry is part of Turkmenistan’s diversification strategy to move beyond raw material exports.
- Key Export Destinations: Textiles are primarily exported to Russia, China, Turkey, and some European markets.
- Export Characteristics: Exports consist mainly of cotton-based fabrics, garments, and yarn.
Trade Value:
- Textile exports, largely driven by cotton-based products, are valued at approximately $800 million USD annually.
Chemicals and Petrochemicals: A Growing Export Sector
Petrochemicals
Turkmenistan has been working to expand its petrochemical sector, leveraging its natural gas reserves for the production of petrochemical products such as fertilizers, plastics, and synthetic rubber. These products are vital for domestic use in agriculture and industry, as well as export to global markets.
- Key Export Destinations: Key markets for petrochemical products include China, Russia, and Turkey.
- Export Characteristics: The country exports fertilizers, plastics, and other petrochemical products, largely produced in the Turkmenbashi complex and other industrial zones.
Trade Value:
- Petrochemical exports contribute about $600 million USD annually to Turkmenistan’s economy, representing an emerging export sector.
Chemicals and Fertilizers
Chemicals, particularly fertilizers, are an essential export product for Turkmenistan. The country produces a range of nitrogen and phosphate-based fertilizers, which are crucial for agricultural productivity in the region.
- Key Export Destinations: The primary destinations for Turkmen fertilizers are countries in Central Asia, including Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, as well as Iran and China.
- Export Characteristics: The main chemicals exported include nitrogen-based fertilizers, which are used to boost agricultural yields, particularly in cotton farming.
Trade Value:
- Fertilizer exports are valued at around $500 million USD annually.
Metal Exports: Raw Materials for Global Industries
Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals
Turkmenistan has an emerging metals sector, primarily focused on the export of raw materials like ferrous and non-ferrous metals. The country produces significant amounts of steel, aluminum, and copper, which are used in construction, manufacturing, and energy sectors worldwide.
- Key Export Destinations: Major export markets for Turkmen metals include China, Russia, and Turkey.
- Export Characteristics: Exports consist of raw metals and semi-finished metal products used in industries like construction and manufacturing.
Trade Value:
- Metal exports, including steel and aluminum, are valued at approximately $400 million USD annually, showing steady growth.
Other Exports: Expanding Trade Opportunities
Agricultural Products (Other than Cotton)
In addition to cotton, Turkmenistan exports other agricultural products such as wheat, melons, and fruits. These products contribute to the diversification of the country’s export portfolio.
- Key Export Destinations: Neighboring countries in Central Asia, Russia, and parts of the Middle East.
- Export Characteristics: These exports include grains, fruits, vegetables, and other fresh agricultural products.
Trade Value:
- Agricultural product exports, excluding cotton, are valued at around $500 million USD annually.
Livestock and Animal Products
Turkmenistan has a growing livestock sector, producing meat, wool, and dairy products. The export of livestock and animal products is an important part of the country’s agricultural exports.
- Key Export Destinations: The primary export markets for livestock products include Russia, Iran, and some Middle Eastern countries.
- Export Characteristics: This category includes wool, mutton, and dairy products, as well as live animals for breeding.
Trade Value:
- Livestock and animal product exports contribute about $300 million USD annually to Turkmenistan’s export value.
Turkmenistan’s export economy is dominated by its energy sector, with natural gas and oil forming the backbone of its trade revenue. However, agriculture, particularly cotton and textiles, also plays a key role, while the petrochemical and metals sectors are slowly gaining prominence. As Turkmenistan continues to diversify its economy and increase industrial production, its export portfolio is expected to expand further, with an emphasis on value-added products and regional trade relationships.
Top Products Exported by Turkmenistan
Market Value: 15,576 (millions) – Last Updated: June, 2024
Rank | Product | Trade Value (thousands) | Share (%) | Growth (% 5yr) |
1 | Petroleum Gases | 4,004,613 | 25.71 | 99.82 |
2 | Non Crude Oil | 527,985 | 3.39 | 253.94 |
3 | Light-Vessels & Docks | 263,737 | 1.69 | 12,868.46 |
4 | Crude Oil | 106,542 | 0.68 | -4.69 |
5 | Cotton | 81,646 | 0.52 | 59.27 |
6 | Polymers of Propylene & Other Olefins | 65,467 | 0.42 | 215.08 |
7 | Cotton Yarn – > 85% | 57,340 | 0.37 | 70.13 |
8 | Bed & Table Linen | 28,816 | 0.18 | 77.94 |
9 | Petroleum Coke | 16,395 | 0.11 | 6.13 |
10 | Woven Cotton Fabrics > 85% > 200 G/M2 | 14,633 | 0.09 | -25.01 |
11 | Knitted T-Shirts | 10,243 | 0.07 | -36.70 |
12 | Knitted Womens & Girls Suits | 8,463 | 0.05 | 37.04 |
13 | Moving & Grading Machinery | 7,989 | 0.05 | 76.16 |
14 | Woven Cotton Fabrics – > 85% < 200G/M2 | 7,757 | 0.05 | 8.61 |
15 | Non-Knit Womens & Girls Suits | 6,668 | 0.04 | 148.42 |
16 | Knitted Sweaters | 5,686 | 0.04 | -10.15 |
17 | Vegetable Saps & Extracts | 5,062 | 0.03 | 1,626.23 |
18 | Parts For Fork Lifts, Bulldozers & Graders | 4,316 | 0.03 | 12,507.79 |
19 | Non-Knit Mens & Boys Suits | 4,239 | 0.03 | -62.72 |
20 | Grapes | 4,179 | 0.03 | 13,720.80 |
21 | Uncombed Wool | 3,356 | 0.02 | 117.69 |
22 | Waste & Scrap of Precious Metals | 3,190 | 0.02 | 93.29 |
23 | Cow & Horse Hides | 2,823 | 0.02 | 44.09 |
24 | Knitted Mens & Boys Shirts | 2,772 | 0.02 | 352.64 |
25 | Vessels For Transport | 2,224 | 0.01 | -60.47 |
26 | Knotted Carpets | 2,111 | 0.01 | -7.84 |
27 | Fluorine | 2,051 | 0.01 | -39.82 |
28 | Survey Instruments | 1,954 | 0.01 | 109.61 |
29 | Vegetable Products | 1,633 | 0.01 | 126.53 |
30 | Plants For Pharmacy | 1,613 | 0.01 | -41.85 |
31 | Cotton Waste | 1,462 | 0.01 | 328.87 |
32 | Carbon | 1,408 | 0.01 | -2.51 |
33 | Woven Terry Fabrics | 1,201 | 0.01 | 215,857.37 |
34 | Air Conditioners | 1,199 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
35 | Onions | 1,027 | 0.01 | 1,083.88 |
36 | Textile Wadding & Articles | 969 | 0.01 | 215.12 |
37 | Knitted Womens & Girls Overcoats | 968 | 0.01 | 189.44 |
38 | Interchange Hand & Machine Tools | 959 | 0.01 | 3,192.76 |
39 | Silk Waste | 852 | 0.01 | 345.73 |
40 | Uncombed Animal Hair | 833 | 0.01 | 474.62 |
41 | Knitted & Crocheted Fabrics | 788 | 0.01 | -75.44 |
42 | Engines & Motors | 667 | 0.00 | 6,636.14 |
43 | Pebbles | 621 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
44 | Salt | 607 | 0.00 | -29.80 |
45 | Sulfates | 542 | 0.00 | 3,223.63 |
46 | Sheep Skins | 477 | 0.00 | -70.61 |
47 | Cucumbers & Gherkins | 456 | 0.00 | 124.66 |
48 | Cement | 456 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
49 | Alcoholic Beverages | 439 | 0.00 | 167.80 |
50 | Fresh Vegetables | 313 | 0.00 | -39.70 |
51 | Special Purpose Motor Vehicles | 307 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
52 | Transmission Shafts, Bearings & Parts | 299 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
53 | Plastic Containers | 290 | 0.00 | 159.88 |
54 | Made-Up Articles of Textile Materials | 282 | 0.00 | -39.95 |
55 | Knitted Mens & Boys Suits | 273 | 0.00 | -81.56 |
56 | Raw Hides & Skins | 273 | 0.00 | -45.15 |
57 | Machinery Parts | 256 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
58 | Knitted Pantyhose | 236 | 0.00 | 200.85 |
59 | Seamless Iron & Steel Tubes & Pipes | 230 | 0.00 | -62.83 |
60 | Compasses & Navigation Instruments | 211 | 0.00 | -3.11 |
61 | Furnishing Articles of Textile Materials | 201 | 0.00 | 259.17 |
62 | Curtains & Interior Blinds | 200 | 0.00 | 2,005.88 |
63 | Seamed Hollow Tubes & Pipes | 175 | 0.00 | 1,076.34 |
64 | Apples & Pears | 169 | 0.00 | 2,634.83 |
65 | Knitted Womens & Girls Blouses & Shirts | 166 | 0.00 | -49.34 |
66 | Machinery For Sorting Screening Minerals | 165 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
67 | Ind Monocarb Fat Acids | 149 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
68 | Carpentry of Wood | 146 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
69 | Cotton Sewing Thread | 143 | 0.00 | 35.75 |
70 | Sacks & Bags of Textile Material | 137 | 0.00 | 3,923.18 |
71 | Melons & Papayas | 128 | 0.00 | 68.22 |
72 | Combed Cotton | 123 | 0.00 | -78.92 |
73 | Non-Knit Track Suits | 107 | 0.00 | 64.49 |
74 | Mineral Substances | 106 | 0.00 | 8,966.52 |
75 | Apricots | 101 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
76 | Pumps For Liquids | 95 | 0.00 | -3.87 |
77 | Mechanical Machinery & Parts | 94 | 0.00 | -26.31 |
78 | Trucks | 88 | 0.00 | 561.79 |
79 | Aircraft Parts | 87 | 0.00 | -95.68 |
80 | Electronic Integrated Circuits | 79 | 0.00 | 1,419.14 |
81 | Cotton Yarn – < 85% | 78 | 0.00 | -3.36 |
82 | Copper Waste & Scrap | 77 | 0.00 | -70.79 |
83 | Computers, Printers & Storage Units | 75 | 0.00 | -6.59 |
84 | Filters & Centrifuges | 73 | 0.00 | 1,103.73 |
85 | Telephone, Fax & Switching Apparatus | 69 | 0.00 | -54.58 |
86 | Cheese & Curd | 62 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
87 | Hardware For Furniture, Doors & Windows | 57 | 0.00 | 338.53 |
88 | Tomatoes | 53 | 0.00 | 2,684.76 |
89 | Food & Drink Preparation Machines | 52 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
90 | Oscilloscopes & Electrical Measuring Instruments | 51 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
91 | Medicines in Doses | 50 | 0.00 | 7.08 |
92 | Non Tufted Woven Carpets | 50 | 0.00 | 61.36 |
93 | Taps, Cocks & Valves | 47 | 0.00 | -19.99 |
94 | Knitted Garments | 43 | 0.00 | -88.23 |
95 | Switches, Relays & Fuses < 1000 Volts | 42 | 0.00 | 22.09 |
96 | Passenger Vehicles | 41 | 0.00 | -72.92 |
97 | Knitted Mens & Boys Underpants | 39 | 0.00 | 382.91 |
98 | Candy | 37 | 0.00 | 27.95 |
99 | Containers of Transport | 37 | 0.00 | 993.34 |
100 | Prefabricated Buildings | 36 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
101 | Non-Knit Mens & Boys Undershirts | 33 | 0.00 | -63.95 |
102 | Agricultural Machinery For Soil | 33 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
103 | Cabbages | 31 | 0.00 | 14.53 |
104 | Prepared Fruit | 28 | 0.00 | 2,980.31 |
105 | Demonstrational Instruments & Parts | 28 | 0.00 | -74.48 |
106 | Television, Radio & Assessory Parts | 26 | 0.00 | 710.81 |
107 | Hydrogen | 26 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
108 | Sulfur | 26 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
109 | Tanks – > 300 Liter | 23 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
110 | Testing Instruments | 22 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
111 | Seats & Parts | 22 | 0.00 | 22.17 |
112 | Tube & Pipe Fittings | 21 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
113 | Articles of Plastics | 19 | 0.00 | -18.82 |
114 | Natural Sands | 19 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
115 | Cotton Yarn – Retail Packed | 18 | 0.00 | -75.27 |
116 | Instruments For Physical or Chemical Analysis | 17 | 0.00 | 71.12 |
117 | Articles of Aluminum | 15 | 0.00 | -15.60 |
118 | Screws, Bolts & Nuts | 15 | 0.00 | 2,305.13 |
119 | Instruments for Measure & Check Flow | 15 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
120 | Trailers | 15 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
121 | Sand Blasting Machines | 15 | 0.00 | 917.56 |
122 | Air & Vacuum Pumps | 15 | 0.00 | -85.13 |
123 | Tools For Working in the Hand | 15 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
124 | Knitted Mens & Boys Overcoats | 14 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
125 | Checks & Stamps | 14 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
126 | Knitted Womens & Girls Slips | 13 | 0.00 | -87.64 |
127 | Transformers, Converters & Power Supplies | 13 | 0.00 | -43.29 |
128 | Bread, Pastry & Cakes | 12 | 0.00 | 383.24 |
129 | Pictures & Photos | 12 | 0.00 | 512.30 |
130 | Aircraft Engines | 11 | 0.00 | -92.55 |
131 | Computer & Office Machines Parts | 11 | 0.00 | -87.00 |
132 | Binders For Found Molds | 11 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
133 | Measuring or Checking Instruments | 10 | 0.00 | 23.98 |
134 | Coffee | 10 | 0.00 | -57.72 |
135 | Knitted Track Suits | 10 | 0.00 | -70.43 |
136 | Clays | 9 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
137 | Other Footwear | 9 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
138 | Parts For Machine Tools | 9 | 0.00 | 514.11 |
139 | Diesel Engines | 9 | 0.00 | 547.02 |
140 | Furniture & Parts | 8 | 0.00 | -88.12 |
141 | Prepared & Preserved Fish | 8 | 0.00 | -81.38 |
142 | Cycle Parts & Assessories | 8 | 0.00 | 729.26 |
143 | Prepared Vegetables | 7 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
144 | Electric Sound & Visual Signaling Apparatus | 7 | 0.00 | -60.40 |
145 | Electric Storage Batteries | 7 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
146 | Tanks – < 300 Liter | 7 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
147 | Containers For Compressed & Liquid Gas | 6 | 0.00 | 215.55 |
148 | Aircraft | 5 | 0.00 | -99.86 |
149 | New Pneumatic Tires | 5 | 0.00 | -97.43 |
150 | Misc Carpets | 5 | 0.00 | 449.79 |
151 | Machine Tools For Honing & Finishing Metal | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
152 | Fruit & Vegetable Juice | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
153 | TV Receivers | 5 | 0.00 | -70.68 |
154 | Furnace Burners | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
155 | Articles of Iron & Steel | 5 | 0.00 | -42.00 |
156 | Gloves | 5 | 0.00 | -16.05 |
157 | Electric Light Equipment | 5 | 0.00 | -58.30 |
158 | Leather Footwear | 4 | 0.00 | -85.64 |
159 | Antiques > 100 Years Old | 4 | 0.00 | -96.34 |
160 | Plastic Household Articles | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
161 | Typewriter Ribbons | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
162 | Vulcanized Rubber Tubes | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
163 | Carrots | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
164 | Hand Tools | 4 | 0.00 | -77.72 |
165 | Knitted Babies Garments & Accessories | 3 | 0.00 | -17.50 |
166 | Engine Parts | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
167 | Handbags, Wallets & Travel Goods | 3 | 0.00 | -48.97 |
168 | Specialized Electrical Machinery & Parts | 3 | 0.00 | -74.62 |
169 | Non-Knit Womens & Girls Blouses | 2 | 0.00 | -92.21 |
170 | Radar Apparatus & Navigation | 2 | 0.00 | -95.69 |
171 | Video Recording Equipment | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
172 | Rubber Thred & Cord | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
173 | Articles of Wood | 2 | 0.00 | -62.87 |
174 | Motor Vehicle Parts | 1 | 0.00 | -97.92 |
175 | Vegetable Plaiting Materials | 1 | 0.00 | -98.59 |
176 | Medical, Dental & Vet Instruments | 1 | 0.00 | -87.93 |
177 | Knitted Gloves | 1 | 0.00 | -88.78 |
178 | Sauces & Condiments | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
179 | Paint & Varnish | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
180 | Paper Labels | 1 | 0.00 | 12.61 |
181 | Chain & Parts | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
182 | Inner Tubes For Tires | 1 | 0.00 | -89.78 |
183 | Electrical Switching Boards | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
184 | Primary Cells & Batteries | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
185 | Halogenated Derivatives of Hydrocarbons | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
186 | Non-Knit Mens & Boys Overcoats | 1 | 0.00 | -98.93 |
187 | Woven Cotton Fabrics – < 85% > 200G/M2 | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
188 | Fireworks | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
189 | Ball & Roller Bearings & Parts | 1 | 0.00 | -80.74 |
190 | Blankets & Traveling Rugs | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
191 | Electric Generating Sets & Rotary Converters | 0 | 0.00 | -96.38 |
192 | Hydrometers & Thermometers | 0 | 0.00 | -48.84 |
193 | Household Art & Parts | 0 | 0.00 | -54.61 |
194 | Electric Filament & Discharge Lamps | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
195 | Non-Knit Mens & Boys Shirts | 0 | 0.00 | -99.90 |
196 | Insecticides | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
197 | Knit &Lace Hats | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
198 | Non-Knit Womens & Girls Slips | 0 | 0.00 | -99.95 |
199 | Woven Fabric -Under 85% Synthetic > 170G/M2 | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
200 | Brooms & Mops | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
201 | Non-Knit Womens & Girls Overcoats | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
202 | Transister & Semiconductor Devices | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
203 | Electric Motors & Generators | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
204 | Gaskets & Similar Joints of Metal Sheeting | 0 | 0.00 | -85.92 |
205 | Glassware For Table | 0 | 0.00 | -89.10 |
206 | Wood Packings | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
207 | Cel Phones, Video Recorders & Radio Transcievers | 0 | 0.00 | -99.95 |
208 | Photocopy Apparatus | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
209 | Microphones | 0 | 0.00 | -97.75 |
210 | Tulles & Other Net Fabrics | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
211 | Safety Glass | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
212 | Books | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
213 | Degras | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
214 | Insulated Wire & Cable | 0 | 0.00 | -96.94 |
215 | Dried Fish | 0 | 0.00 | -98.90 |
216 | Electrical Resistors | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
217 | Horses | 0 | 0.00 | -100.00 |