Kyrgyzstan’s beverage imports exceeded exports 18.9-fold in January-July 2026

Imports create a $113.99 million trade deficit

Kyrgyzstan’s imports of soft drinks, mineral water and fruit and vegetable juice reached $120.35 million in January-July 2026, according to National Statistical Committee data reported by 24.kg. Exports in the same product group totaled $6.36 million, leaving a trade deficit of $113.99 million. Foreign purchases exceeded exports by 18.9 times, meaning that almost $19 was spent on imported beverages for every $1 earned from exports.

The supply base was highly concentrated. Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Russia accounted for more than 92% of total beverage imports. The figures show that Kyrgyz distributors and retailers rely heavily on neighboring markets for mass-market carbonated drinks, bottled water and juice, particularly during the summer demand period.

Sweetened drinks dominate the import bill

Imports of sweetened and carbonated water were valued at $100.41 million and totaled 186.20 million liters. Their value increased by 35.3% from the previous year. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan were the leading suppliers, with Russia also among the three principal origins for the broader water category. The imported volume was equivalent to approximately 18 bottles of 1.5 liters for every resident of Kyrgyzstan over the seven-month period, including infants.

Mineral-water imports reached $11.31 million and 7.75 million liters, with volume rising by 51.8%. Russia recorded the sharpest supplier increase: shipments from the country rose 27.1-fold by value to $9.63 million, representing 4.46 million liters. Georgia and Kazakhstan were also among the mineral-water suppliers.

Fruit and vegetable juice imports rose 2.1-fold by value to $8.63 million. Volumes increased by 11.3% to 4,224.2 tonnes. Kazakhstan drove much of that growth, raising shipments to Kyrgyzstan 6.8-fold to $4 million. Russia, Ireland and Uzbekistan were also named as juice suppliers.

Exports fall and remain concentrated on Kazakhstan

Kyrgyzstan exported $5.61 million of sweetened carbonated drinks and mineral water, representing 12.37 million liters. Export volume was 92.4% lower than a year earlier. Most of these shipments went to Kazakhstan, while smaller volumes were delivered to Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Lithuania.

Across soft drinks, mineral water and juice, Kazakhstan received 85.3% of Kyrgyzstan’s exports. Juice exports amounted to only $393,200 and 454.4 tonnes, with Kazakhstan, Russia and Uzbekistan as the main buyers. Mineral-water exports declined by 17.8% to 1.21 million liters, worth $357,600, and were directed primarily to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

The data expose concentration on both sides of the market. Domestic consumption depends on three neighboring suppliers, while Kyrgyz producers depend overwhelmingly on one export destination. For producers, the scale of imports indicates a large domestic market but also intense competition from established regional brands. For distributors, proximity to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Russia supports short supply routes, while exporters face greater exposure to changes in demand, pricing and market access in Kazakhstan.