Mongolia trade recorded a total foreign turnover of USD 16.6 billion during the first eight months of 2025. The country conducted trade with 157 nations, highlighting its global economic engagement. Exports totaled USD 9.2 billion, while imports reached USD 7.5 billion. This generated a trade surplus of USD 1.7 billion.
However, compared to the same period last year, Mongolia trade declined by 8.2 percent, equivalent to USD 1.5 billion. Exports fell sharply by 13.8 percent, also USD 1.5 billion, while imports dropped only slightly by 0.3 percent, or USD 24.7 million. Consequently, the trade surplus decreased by 46.2 percent, totaling USD 1.4 billion.
The decline in exports mainly stemmed from a steep fall in coal sales, which dropped USD 2.7 billion. Washed cashmere exports fell by USD 238.9 million. Crude oil declined by USD 43.3 million, and semi-processed gold dropped by USD 35 million. Sheep and goat meat exports also decreased by USD 25.9 million.
Despite these setbacks, some export categories expanded. Copper ore and concentrate grew by USD 1.5 billion. Combed animal hair and bristles rose by USD 88.8 million, while zinc ore and concentrate increased by USD 43.4 million. These gains helped partially offset losses in other sectors.
Imports showed mixed patterns. Overall, they decreased slightly by USD 24.7 million. Purchases of trucks fell by USD 128.9 million, and public transport vehicles declined by USD 44 million. Bulldozers and excavators fell by USD 32.5 million. Diesel fuel dropped USD 30.5 million, and gasoline decreased by USD 23.3 million.
In contrast, imports of passenger cars surged by USD 128.6 million. Alcoholic beverages also increased by USD 16.5 million. These rising imports helped mitigate the overall downward trend in purchases from abroad.
Analysts say Mongolia trade faces challenges due to global commodity price fluctuations and changing market demands. They emphasize the importance of diversifying export sectors to maintain stable growth. Mongolia trade remains a key driver of the national economy, balancing between export setbacks and rising imports in strategic sectors.
