According to the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan, in the first half of 2023, the trade volume between Turkmenistan and China amounted to 5.55 billion US dollars, which is 12.3% more than in the same period last year, Orient reports.
Turkmenistan's exports to China accounted for the bulk of trade - $5.07 billion. Natural gas accounted for the largest share of exports - $5.05 billion. China relies on Turkmenistan as a major supplier of natural gas.
In the first six months of 2023, China exported $476 million worth of goods to Turkmenistan. The main items of Chinese exports are automobiles, electrical equipment and consumer goods.
China remains one of Turkmenistan's most significant trading partners. Turkmenistan supplies natural gas to China via the Central Asia-China gas pipeline, which passes through Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
To further increase Turkmen natural gas exports, a new branch of the gas pipeline is under construction, which will pass through Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan before reaching China. According to analysts' forecasts, the additional capacity of the pipeline will increase Turkmen gas exports to China by 25%.
The continued growth in trade reflects the strengthening economic ties between the two countries. Turkmenistan is seeking to diversify its export markets, while China needs to secure the energy resources necessary for rapid economic growth.
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