Dried shelled legumes market in Kyrgyzstan

Earlier Report Observations

The dried shelled legumes market in Kyrgyzstan expanded from 310.0 thousand tons in 2018 to 328.6 thousand tons in 2019, driven by a surge in imports from Kazakhstan. Kazakh companies increased their sales to Kyrgyzstan, supported by a state policy in Kazakhstan that diversified crop areas and stimulated legume exports. Market volume stabilized at 326.1 thousand tons in 2020, as currency fluctuations and harvest variations in major global bean-exporting countries like China and Argentina affected import prices and availability.

From 2021 to 2022, the market grew significantly, reaching 405.3 thousand tons, despite a drop in domestic production. This growth was fueled by a sharp rise in imports, which jumped from 40.6 thousand tons in 2020 to 169.9 thousand tons in 2022, linked to the continued expansion of legume production and export capacity in Kazakhstan. Domestically, initiatives such as the establishment of the "Kyrgyzindustry" holding with a charter capital of 1 billion som aimed to develop agricultural processing, while the Ministry of Agriculture prepared a crop specialization program to enhance food security.

In 2023, the market contracted to 299.1 thousand tons, accompanied by reduced imports and production. In the following years, trends pointed toward increased sown areas for legumes in Kyrgyzstan and shifts in trade patterns, including a growing reliance on Kazakh imports and a change in export destinations, with Syria emerging as a key buyer.

Production dried shelled legumes in Kyrgyzstan

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of dried shelled legumes, 2018-2021

World map of production of dried shelled legumes, 2018-2021

Kyrgyzstan's production of dried shelled legumes declined after two years of growth. In 2021, the country produced 348.2 thousand tons, marking a 12.9% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production fell by 9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.1%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2020 at 399.8 thousand tons, while the largest year-over-year increase occurred in 2019 at 4.4%.

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

Exports dried shelled legumes from Kyrgyzstan

Exports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Kyrgyzstan's exports of dried shelled legumes declined. In 2021, the country exported 75.4 thousand tons, representing a sharp 34.1% decrease from 2020. The peak export volume was recorded in 2020 at 114.3 thousand tons, while the largest year-over-year increase happened in 2019 at 24.1%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Turkey, Russia, and Serbia were the main destinations for Kyrgyzstan's dried shelled legumes exports by volume. Turkey accounted for 25.1% of exports, Russia for 21.8%, and Serbia for 8.2%. Together, these three countries represented 55.0% of total export flows.

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

Kyrgyzstan's dried shelled legumes exports by value showed a significant increase in 2021, reaching 70 115 thousand US dollars, up 13.1% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value grew by 25.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.7%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 74 849 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest year-over-year increase at 33.5%. The most substantial decline occurred in 2020 at 17.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Turkey, Russia, and Serbia remained the primary markets for Kyrgyzstan's dried shelled legumes exports by value. Turkey accounted for 31.9% of export value, Russia for 14.8%, and Serbia for 9.2%. Collectively, these three countries represented 56.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports dried shelled legumes to Kyrgyzstan

Imports in kind, K t

Kyrgyzstan's imports of dried shelled legumes increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached approximately 93.3 thousand tons, showing a substantial 130.1% rise compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, import volume surged by 2 737.6%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 205.0%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Russia and Kazakhstan dominated Kyrgyzstan's dried shelled legumes imports by volume. Russia accounted for 55.9% of total imports, while Kazakhstan represented 42.0%. Together, these two countries formed 97.9% of import flows, with other partners accounting for the remaining 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

Kyrgyzstan's dried shelled legumes imports by value increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, imports stood at 40 075 thousand US dollars, rising 117.6% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, import value grew by 3 255.4%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 222.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Russia and Kazakhstan together accounted for 97.6% of Kyrgyzstan's dried shelled legumes imports by value. Other countries formed a diversified but less significant portion of the import market.

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

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