In January-May 2026, Azerbaijan's retail trade turnover reached 25.5 billion manats, with 51% spent on food products.
However, increased food spending stimulates imports, not local production. Food imports rose 6.3% to $1.13 billion this year.
While overall imports fell 31.6%, food imports grew, indicating domestic supply gaps.
To reduce imports, local production must become competitive, supply chain gaps must be addressed, and dependence on foreign raw materials eliminated.
