Apricots market in Kyrgyzstan

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, apricot production in Kyrgyzstan remained constrained, hovering around 26 000 t annually. This stability was linked to persistent low yields caused by soil depletion, the use of poor-quality seeds, and a lack of apricot varieties adapted to the country's mountainous conditions. The market volume, however, declined from over 31 000 t in 2018 to approximately 24 600 t in 2020. This drop was significantly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, which disrupted global supply chains and altered demand patterns, leading to a sharp reduction in apricot imports into the country.

From 2021 to 2023, the apricot market volume continued to contract, reaching a low of 19 014 t in 2022 before rebounding to 27 540 t in 2023. Domestic production stayed steady at around 26 000 t throughout this period. The market's fluctuation was primarily driven by changes in international trade, with exports rising notably in 2022 and imports recovering in 2023.

By 2025, the sector saw notable developments aimed at strengthening it. State capital investments into the apricot sector were primarily funded from the republican budget, indicating direct government support for the industry. Furthermore, the active start of the dried apricot season in the Batken region, with a functioning market in the Kara-Bak area, highlighted the growing importance of processed products and regional market activity for local incomes.

Production apricots in Kyrgyzstan

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of apricots, 2018-2021

World map of production of apricots, 2018-2021

Kyrgyzstan's apricot production declined after two years of growth. In 2021, the country produced 26 264 tons of apricots, representing a slight year-over-year decrease of 0.7%. Production peaked in 2020 at 26 461 tons, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2019 at 1.7%.

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

Exports apricots from Kyrgyzstan

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Export volumes fluctuated significantly, with a 2.3-fold difference between the low in 2018 and the high in 2019. In 2021, Kyrgyzstan exported 4 781 tons of apricots, marking a substantial year-over-year decline of 19.0%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 6 099 tons, which also saw the largest annual increase of 129.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Russia dominated Kyrgyzstan's apricot exports in volume, accounting for 82.8% of total flows. Other trading partners held relatively minor shares during this period.

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 data reveals irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Export values showed significant variation, with a 3.1-fold difference between the peak in 2019 and the trough in 2020. In 2021, Kyrgyzstan's apricot exports totaled 1 654 thousand US dollars, representing a sharp year-over-year increase of 73.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 953 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2019 at 2 912 thousand US dollars. The largest annual decline occurred in 2020 at 67.3%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Russia was the primary destination for Kyrgyzstan's apricot exports in value terms, capturing 83.9% of total flows. Other countries accounted for the remaining share.

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

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

Imports apricots to Kyrgyzstan

Imports in kind, t

Foreign apricot supplies to Kyrgyzstan declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports totaled 1 947 tons, representing a significant year-over-year decrease of 51.8%. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports fell by 74.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of -36.9%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 9 274 tons. The largest annual decline occurred in 2020 at 56.5%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 19.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan together formed the main group of suppliers for apricot imports to Kyrgyzstan, accounting for 99.6% of total import volume.

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

Apricot shipments to Kyrgyzstan from abroad declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, Kyrgyzstan imported a total of 1 335 thousand US dollars worth of apricots, marking a steep year-over-year fall of 30.6%. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 76%, with a compound annual growth rate of -37.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Uzbekistan remained the main source of apricot imports to Kyrgyzstan in value terms, accounting for 81.1% of total imports. The remaining volume was distributed among other countries.

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

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