Capsicum and pimenta fruits market in Central Asia, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh capsicum and pimenta fruits in Central Asia began the period at 313.9 thousand tons in 2018, a year marked by the expansion of new players, including Russian companies entering the markets of Kazakhstan and Belarus, which contributed to regional market development. After a slight contraction to 295.7 thousand tons in 2019, the market volume recovered to 302.0 thousand tons in 2020.

Market growth resumed in 2021, reaching 320.3 thousand tons, supported by a broader expansion in the agricultural sector reflected in rising seed imports. A significant surge to 421.2 thousand tons occurred in 2022, a period coinciding with international sanctions and logistical disruptions that incentivized domestic production, coupled with growing consumer interest in organic agriculture which boosted demand for organic vegetables, including peppers.

In 2023, the market stabilized at 418.4 thousand tons. This was supported by a substantial increase in consumer demand, evidenced by a three to fourfold rise in active market users, which helped maintain volume despite ongoing logistical and payment challenges affecting supply chains.

Production capsicum and pimenta fruits in Central Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of capsicum and pimenta fruits, 2017-2020

World map of production of capsicum and pimenta fruits, 2017-2020

In Central Asia, capsicum and pimenta fruit production reached 304.7 thousand tonnes in 2020, marking a 3.9% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 9.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.1%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 3.2%, while the most significant increase was in 2018, with an 8.9% rise.

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

Exports capsicum and pimenta fruits from Central Asia

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes of capsicum and pimenta fruits from Central Asia showed irregular fluctuations, indicating a volatile market. The lowest exports were recorded in 2017, while the highest volume was in 2019, with a 3.5-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports totaled 15 906 tonnes, a 1.8% decrease from 2019. The peak export volume was 16 205 tonnes in 2019, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a 119.8% surge.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia was the dominant destination for capsicum and pimenta fruit exports from Central Asia, accounting for 59.8% of total export volumes.

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

Capsicum and pimenta fruit exports from Central Asia increased for the third consecutive year in 2020, reaching 11.108 million US dollars, a 5.5% year-on-year rise. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 65.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 18.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia was the largest buyer of capsicum and pimenta fruits from Central Asia in value terms, representing 54.7% of total exports.

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 capsicum and pimenta fruits to Central Asia

Imports in kind, t

Capsicum and pimenta fruit imports into Central Asia declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, totaling 13 175 tonnes, a 29.0% drop from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 34.9%, with an average annual decline of 13.3%. The highest import volume was in 2018 at 21 001 tonnes, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, with a 3.8% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Iran, and Russia were the main sources of capsicum and pimenta fruit imports into Central Asia, accounting for 71.0% of total import volumes. China led with 68.7%, followed by Iran at 1.8% and Russia at 0.5%.

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

In 2020, Central Asia imported 14.330 million US dollars worth of capsicum and pimenta fruits, a 25.6% year-on-year decrease. Between 2017 and 2020, import value fell by 16.6%, equating to an average annual decline of 5.9%. The peak import value was 19.270 million US dollars in 2019, and the largest increase was in 2019, with a 15.9% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China accounted for 74.9% of the total import value of capsicum and pimenta fruits into Central Asia, with the remainder distributed among various smaller countries.

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

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