Trade turnover between Turkmenistan and China reached $4.821 billion in January-June 2026. Turkmen exports to China accounted for the bulk of mutual trade, confirming the Chinese market's continued role as a key destination for Turkmenistan's foreign trade, Orient.tm reports.
According to the General Administration of Customs of China, in the first six months of this year, Turkmenistan exported $4.44 billion worth of goods to China, while Chinese exports to Turkmenistan totaled $777.56 million.
Thus, Turkmen exports accounted for approximately 84% of total bilateral trade. The trade balance remains significantly positive for Turkmenistan.
In June alone, trade turnover between the two countries amounted to $890.26 million, demonstrating the continued high intensity of trade. By comparison, bilateral trade volume reached $10.46 billion in 2025.
China remains the largest export market for Turkmen natural gas. Stable demand is ensured by long-term contracts, and further strengthening of gas cooperation is linked to the development of the Galkynysh field. The fourth phase of its development began in April 2026.
The trade structure shows that economic relations between Turkmenistan and China remain largely built around energy exports. Increased gas supplies provide Turkmenistan with significant foreign exchange earnings, but simultaneously increase the country's dependence on one main market.
The start of the fourth phase of Galkynysh development could further increase the importance of the Chinese route. In the long term, expanding the range of non-resource exports and increasing mutual investment remains important for Turkmenistan, which would allow for more diversification of trade relations with China.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
August 19, 2026