BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 14. Turkmenistan and
China discussed expanding trade ties, facilitating export-import
operations and supporting investment projects.


This was reflected in a press release published by
Turkmenistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry following a
videoconference held between representatives of Turkmenistan and
the Eurasian Department of China's Ministry of Commerce.


The meeting also focused on ensuring a strong Turkmen
participation in the 9th China International Import Expo, which
will be held in Shanghai.


The Chamber reviewed plans for organizing Turkmenistan's
national pavilion at the exhibition and showcasing the country's
export and production potential.


“Particular attention was paid to the plan for organizing the
national pavilion of Turkmenistan at the exhibition and
demonstrating the country's export and production potential,” the
Chamber said.







Meanwhile, China's imports from Turkmenistan decreased by 4.3%
to $4 billion in the first half of 2026, compared with $4.2 billion
in January-June 2025.


China has been Turkmenistan’s largest trading partner and its
main destination for natural gas exports for more than a decade.
The two countries’ economic relationship is anchored by the
China-Central Asia gas pipeline system, comprising three operating
lines that transport Turkmen gas through Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan
to China. According to China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
bilateral trade reached $10.05 billion in 2025, with Chinese
exports to Turkmenistan totaling $1.6 billion and imports reaching
$8.45 billion.


Natural gas remains the dominant component of Turkmenistan’s
exports to China. Chinese customs data show that China imported
$8.41 billion worth of Turkmen natural gas in 2025, accounting for
almost the entire value of Turkmenistan’s exports to the Chinese
market. The existing three pipeline lines have a combined annual
capacity of around 40 billion cubic meters, while the planned Line
D is intended to increase Turkmenistan’s export capacity to
China.


At the same time, the sides have signaled an interest in
broadening economic ties beyond hydrocarbons. During a meeting with
Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in June 2025, Chinese
President Xi Jinping called for deeper natural gas cooperation
alongside expanded cooperation in non-resource sectors,
optimization of the trade structure, and greater regional
connectivity.