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

Top Products Exported by Turkmenistan

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