AZE.US
Azerbaijan is increasing exports of several agricultural products, yet domestic food prices remain elevated, highlighting a persistent imbalance between external demand and local affordability.
Economist Rashad Hasanov says producers tend to prioritize higher-margin foreign markets, which can limit supply inside the country and keep retail prices from falling even during periods of strong harvests.
Price dynamics are shaped by multiple factors, including logistics costs, seasonal supply, exchange-rate movements, and fluctuations in global demand. Disruptions anywhere along the supply chain can quickly translate into higher prices for consumers.
Economic policy tools such as temporary export restrictions, import incentives, and measures to support household purchasing power can help stabilize markets. However, Azerbaijan remains more import-dependent than export-driven in food supply, making balanced trade flows critical for price stability.
Official data show export revenues from persimmons reached $304 million in January 2026, up 15.7% year on year. Hazelnut exports more than doubled in value, while tomato shipments declined by 7.2%.
The gap between export growth and domestic price relief continues to raise questions about how the benefits of agricultural trade are distributed within the country.