Beef and buffalo meat market in Central Asia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the beef and buffalo meat market volume in Central Asia remained relatively stable, fluctuating around 1 950 K t. During this period, beef prices in Uzbekistan rose consistently above general inflation, which likely tempered consumption growth. Concurrently, regional integration initiatives, including regular consultations among Central Asian leaders, laid the groundwork for enhanced trade cooperation.

From 2021 onward, the market volume entered a phase of steady growth, reaching 2 183 K t by 2023. This expansion was supported by the strengthening of Uzbekistan's trade ties with neighboring countries, which boosted meat imports. In 2022, record trade turnover with China and government measures to stabilize prices, such as reducing tariff barriers on imports, facilitated further supply increases. A key driver in 2023 was a 3.9% rise in meat production within Uzbekistan, directly enlarging domestic supply.

Production beef and buffalo meat in Central Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of beef and buffalo meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of beef and buffalo meat, 2017-2020

In 2019, Central Asia produced 1 935 thousand tons of beef and buffalo meat, which increased slightly by 1.1% to reach the same level in 2020. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 15%, averaging an annual increase of 4.8%. The highest production was recorded in 2018 at 1 936 thousand tons. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 1.1%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, rising by 15.0%.

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

Exports beef and buffalo meat from Central Asia

Exports in kind, t

The export market for beef and buffalo meat from Central Asia showed an unstable trend during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 6.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Central Asia exported 4 532 tons, down by 22.0% from 2019. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 5 814 tons. The largest increase occurred in 2018, surging by 349.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the three main markets for Central Asia's beef and buffalo meat exports in kind were Russia, China, and Iran, which together accounted for 56.9% of total exports.

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, M $ US

The value of beef and buffalo meat exports from Central Asia increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 32.3 million US dollars, marking a rise of 38.4% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 950.4%, averaging an annual increase of 119.0%.

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

During 2017–2020, Russia, China, and Iran played leading roles in the value of beef and buffalo meat exports from Central Asia. Russia accounted for 28.8% of export value, China for 23.3%, and Iran for 8.3%, together making up 60.4% of total export flows.

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 beef and buffalo meat to Central Asia

Imports in kind, t

The import market for beef and buffalo meat in Central Asia displayed volatility over the observed period. Imports fluctuated, with the lowest level in 2018 at 16 674 tons and the highest in 2020, showing a 2.7-fold increase between these years. In 2020, Central Asia imported approximately 45 561 tons, up by 36.1% from 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 with a drop of 6.3%, while the most significant increase occurred in 2019, rising by 100.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the primary suppliers of beef and buffalo meat to Central Asia in kind were Belarus, Ukraine, and Poland. Belarus contributed 55.0% of imports, Ukraine 23.7%, and Poland 4.1%, jointly accounting for 82.8% of total imports.

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, M $ US

The value of beef and buffalo meat imports into Central Asia increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 152.6 million US dollars, up by 43.0% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, import value rose by 230.2%, averaging an annual growth rate of 48.9%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia were the key sources for imports in value terms. Belarus accounted for 55.0% of import value, Ukraine for 24.0%, and Russia for 5.8%, together representing 84.8% of total import flows.

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

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