As the fall semester of 2025 approaches, Azerbaijan’s school supply market is showing a surprising trend: prices have dropped compared to last year. Yet experts warn that this stability may not last once demand spikes in September.
With less than a month left before the new school year, families have already begun their shopping. From uniforms and shoes to backpacks and notebooks, the costs are once again weighing heavily on household budgets.
Prices down, choices wider
Parent Azer Rahimov, who is preparing two children for school this year, says costs feel lighter:
“For notebooks and stationery I spent only 40 manats. Last year, the same basket cost much more. Pants and shirts now start from just 13 manats, though you can find models as high as 70–80. The good thing is that every budget has options this year.”
Competition from Chinese imports and online sales has driven prices down. Shops are offering more discounts to compete with e-commerce platforms.
The numbers at a glance
Notebooks: 0.15 – 2.2 AZN
Felt-tip pens: 0.90 – 11 AZN
Pencil sharpeners: 0.30 – 4.3 AZN
Pencil cases: 1.9 – 30 AZN
Pens: 0.30 – 7.9 AZN
Water bottles: 2.6 – 11 AZN
Backpacks: 16 – 180 AZN
That means a minimum of 20–25 manats per child just for stationery – down from 35–40 manats last year. But quality, brand, and origin still matter: certified goods cost more than uncertified imports.
Uniforms: cheaper, but still a burden
School clothes remain the biggest expense. Pants now range from 10 to 80 manats, shirts from 7–8 manats, and skirts from 15 to 150 manats. Jackets start around 20 manats.
The state-run Baku Sewing House has introduced steep discounts to compete with unregulated imports. Short-sleeve shirts dropped 33% (from 12 to 8 manats), long-sleeve shirts 18% (12 to 10 manats), and pants/skirts 25% (20 to 15 manats). Officials say the goal is to steer parents toward certified fabrics that meet safety standards.
Why prices are lower
According to market analysts, three key factors explain this year’s price drop:
Shift to China: Turkish imports have become more expensive, while Chinese suppliers cut wholesale prices.
Weak consumer demand: Household incomes haven’t kept pace with rising daily expenses, so shops lowered prices to keep sales flowing.
Late shopping culture: Many families wait until the very last days of August, meaning current demand hasn’t yet peaked.
What’s next?
Experts caution that prices may rise again in late September and October when demand surges. For now, though, Azerbaijan’s parents are breathing a small sigh of relief: back-to-school shopping in 2025 is proving slightly easier on the wallet.
By Kaspi.Az
