Almonds market in Central Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The almond market in Central Asia expanded significantly from 32,364 t in 2018 to 47,659 t in 2020. This growth was primarily driven by rising consumer interest in healthy eating and product transparency, which stimulated innovation and a wider assortment of almond-based products. The entry of new players further increased competition and market availability. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the shift towards healthier food choices, while government initiatives to support local production contributed to the market's volume increase.

After peaking in 2020, the market experienced a slight contraction to 46,011 t in 2021. It then rebounded to 53,194 t in 2022, supported by sustained demand from the health-food and functional product segments, despite the impact of sanctions and geopolitical tensions on trade flows. In 2023, the market volume declined to 51,276 t, partly due to inflationary pressures and higher production costs, which dampened consumer demand, even as new almond product segments targeting special dietary needs emerged.

Over the full period from 2018 to 2023, the almond market in Central Asia showed strong overall growth, with fluctuations influenced by evolving health trends, regulatory changes in labeling and quality control, and external economic factors.

Production almonds in Central Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of almonds, 2017-2020

World map of production of almonds, 2017-2020

Central Asia's almond production has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 37 065 tonnes of almonds, marking a 35.7% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production surged by 262.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 53.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in Central Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports almonds from Central Asia

Exports in kind, t

In 2020, Central Asia exported 2 477 tonnes of almonds, which represents a 32.8% decline from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports fell by 36.5%, with an average annual decrease of 14.1%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, when exports rose by 36.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Central Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates were consistently the top destinations for almond exports in volume terms. Russia accounted for 47.1% of exports, Turkey for 6.5%, and the UAE for 5.5%, together making up 59.2% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Central Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

The market for almond exports in value terms experienced notable fluctuations during this period. In 2018, exports hit their lowest point at 3 767 thousand US dollars, while 2019 saw a peak of 27 763 thousand US dollars, resulting in a 7.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Central Asia exported 10 903 thousand US dollars worth of almonds, a sharp 60.7% drop from the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, with a 637.0% surge.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Central Asia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey were the largest buyers of almonds from Central Asia in value terms, though they did not dominate the market. Russia contributed 12.3% of export value, the UAE 7.1%, and Turkey 5.7%, collectively accounting for 25.1% of total exports, with the remainder spread across numerous smaller partners.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Central Asia in value, 2017-2020

Imports almonds to Central Asia

Imports in kind, t

Almond imports into Central Asia have risen for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import volume reached 13 070 tonnes, up 20.3% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 56.6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 16.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Central Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout 2017 to 2020, China and the United States were the primary sources for almond imports into Central Asia in volume terms, with other markets playing a less significant role individually.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Central Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Almond imports into Central Asia in value terms have increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region imported 20 660 thousand US dollars worth of almonds, a 5.2% rise from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 22.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 16 710 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 1.0%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, with a 17.5% jump.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Central Asia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, China and the United States were the leading markets for almond imports into Central Asia in value terms, together accounting for 92.0% of total import flows, while the rest was distributed among other destinations.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Central Asia in value, 2017-2020