Carrots and turnips market in Central Asia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2022, the market volume for fresh carrots and turnips in Central Asia rose from 3 342 thousand tons to 5 146 thousand tons, driven by growing consumer demand for healthy eating and organic products. This trend was reinforced during the COVID-19 pandemic, as heightened health awareness further stimulated consumption.

The growth continued in 2022, supported by sustained consumer interest in fresh and chilled root vegetables. However, in 2023, the market contracted to 4 600 thousand tons following proposed export restrictions on fresh carrots in Kazakhstan and the impact of geopolitical risks, including sanctions and currency fluctuations.

Throughout the period, shifts in dietary habits toward healthier options provided a steady base for demand, but external factors in 2023 led to a temporary decline in production and market size.

Production carrots and turnips in Central Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of carrots and turnips, 2017-2020

World map of production of carrots and turnips, 2017-2020

Central Asia's production of carrots and turnips has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 4 118 thousand tons, marking a modest 3.0% increase from the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 22.4%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 7.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 3 355 thousand tons, with the largest decline that year at 0.3%. In contrast, 2019 saw the biggest jump in output, with a 19.1% increase.

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

Exports carrots and turnips from Central Asia

Exports in kind, t

The export market for carrots and turnips from Central Asia experienced significant fluctuations during these years. Volumes reached their highest point in 2018 at 27 421 tons and dropped to their lowest in 2019 at 10 453 tons, representing a 2.6-fold difference. In 2020, exports rebounded to 20 313 tons, a substantial 94.3% increase compared to 2019. The sharpest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 61.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia was the leading buyer of carrots and turnips from Central Asia, accounting for 20.0% of total exports by volume.

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 export market in value terms also showed volatility over this period. Volumes peaked in 2019 at 22 798 thousand US dollars and hit their lowest point in 2017, with a 3.1-fold swing between these years. In 2020, Central Asia exported 9 845 thousand US dollars worth of carrots and turnips, a steep 56.8% decrease from 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, surging by 97.4%.

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

During 2017–2020, Russia topped the list of buyers for carrots and turnips from Central Asia in value terms, holding a 17.6% share 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 carrots and turnips to Central Asia

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes for carrots and turnips in Central Asia displayed notable volatility. The market swung from a low in 2019 at 4 338 tons to a high in 2020 at 15 886 tons, a 3.7-fold increase. In 2020, imports surged by 266.2% compared to 2019. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 68.5%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Russia was the primary source for carrots and turnips imported into Central Asia, making up 2.0% of total imports by volume.

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

Central Asia's imports of carrots and turnips in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 7 622 thousand US dollars, down 8.2% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 47.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 13.8%. The highest value was in 2018 at 8 744 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 68.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China and Russia were the standout suppliers of carrots and turnips to Central Asia in value terms, together accounting for 2.3% of total imports.

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

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