Apple market in Kyrgyzstan

Earlier Report Observations

The Kyrgyz apple market from 2018 to 2023 was shaped by significant investments in orchard expansion and evolving trade dynamics. A major driver was the large-scale import of over 65 thousand apple saplings in 2017-2018, which laid the foundation for increased domestic production. This, coupled with the continued planting of new orchards in subsequent years, supported production volumes and helped the market size grow to 144 thousand tonnes in 2019. However, phytosanitary issues and temporary import restrictions by Kazakhstan, a key trade partner, introduced volatility, influencing cross-border trade flows and contributing to a period of market adjustment.

Legislative changes aimed at supporting agriculture and export, along with the development of storage and processing infrastructure, were implemented to strengthen the sector's resilience. The market faced a notable challenge in 2022 when a record harvest was accompanied by significant post-harvest losses, estimated at 100 thousand tonnes, which constrained the volume of apples reaching the market. By 2023, the market size recovered to 138 thousand tonnes, aided by a sharp reduction in export volumes and ongoing improvements in phytosanitary controls and product standardization. The growth of value-added segments, particularly dried apples, and a consumer shift towards premium, ecologically clean varieties added new dimensions to the market structure.

Looking ahead, industry plans focus on further enhancing production and export capabilities through continued investment in logistics, storage facilities, and processing capacity. The regulatory environment is also expected to evolve, with anticipated refinements to tax policy and legislation designed to bolster the competitiveness of Kyrgyz apples both domestically and in key export markets.

Production apple in Kyrgyzstan

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of apple, 2018-2021

World map of production of apple, 2018-2021

In 2021, Kyrgyzstan produced 139.1 thousand tons of apples, showing no significant change from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 2.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 0.9%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 143.3 thousand tons, which represented a 5.9% increase. However, in 2020, production saw its largest decline of 3.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Kyrgyzstan in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports apple from Kyrgyzstan

Exports in kind, t

Kyrgyzstan's apple exports have been rising for three consecutive years. In 2021, exports reached 15 114 tons, marking a modest increase of 7.1% compared to 2020. Over the four-year span from 2018 to 2021, exports surged by 111%, with an average annual growth rate of 28.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Kyrgyzstan in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Kazakhstan and Russia were the primary buyers of Kyrgyz apples, together accounting for 89.3% of total exports by volume. Other destinations each held relatively small shares.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Kyrgyzstan in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market in value terms showed volatility during the observed period. In 2019, exports peaked at 6 904 thousand US dollars, but by 2021, they had dropped to 3 565 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 22.9% from the previous year. This represents a 1.9-fold difference between the high in 2019 and the low in 2021. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 33.0%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 85.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Kyrgyzstan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Between 2018 and 2021, Kazakhstan and Russia dominated Kyrgyz apple exports in value terms, capturing 86.6% of the total. The remaining share was spread across other destinations, each with minor contributions.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Kyrgyzstan in value, 2018-2021

Imports apple to Kyrgyzstan

Imports in kind, t

Apple imports into Kyrgyzstan exhibited volatility from 2018 to 2021. In 2018, imports were at their lowest point, but they peaked in 2020 at 16 485 tons, creating a 2.6-fold gap between these years. By 2021, imports had fallen to 11 843 tons, a sharp decrease of 28.2% from 2020. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 86.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Kyrgyzstan in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the main sources of apple imports to Kyrgyzstan by volume were Iran (48.7%), China (23.1%), and Uzbekistan (13.4%). Together, these three countries accounted for 85.2% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Kyrgyzstan in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

The import market in value terms was marked by volatility during these years. Imports reached their lowest in 2018 and peaked in 2020 at 6 333 thousand US dollars, showing a 2.2-fold variation. In 2021, imports declined to 4 855 thousand US dollars, which is 23.3% lower than the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2020 at 90.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Kyrgyzstan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018–2021, Iran (52.5%), China (19.9%), and Uzbekistan (15.7%) were the key markets for apple imports to Kyrgyzstan in value terms. Combined, they represented 88.0% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Kyrgyzstan in value, 2018-2021