Edible brassicas market in Central Asia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market for fresh edible brassicas in Central Asia contracted, with production falling to 1 542 thousand tons and market volume dropping to 1 453 thousand tons. This decline aligned with structural challenges where professional large-scale farms represented only 10% of output, limiting efficiency, and the absence of a targeted state policy for organic agriculture hindered sector investment.

The market rebounded from 2021, driven by a growing shift toward organic vegetable production as producers adopted these methods to enhance food security and rural employment. This was supported by new state measures for vegetable growing. By 2023, major greenhouse companies and large agricultural holdings became significant players, helping boost production to 1 727 thousand tons and expanding exports to markets in Russia, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

In 2024, despite adverse weather conditions and livestock diseases that affected vegetable processing, export growth continued for vegetables like tomatoes and peppers, reflecting stronger regional trade links. However, the organic segment's development remained constrained by the lack of a comprehensive state program.

Production edible brassicas in Central Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of edible brassicas, 2017-2020

World map of production of edible brassicas, 2017-2020

Central Asia's edible brassicas production has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 1 542 K t of edible brassicas, representing a 4.6% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 10.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.7%.

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

Exports edible brassicas from Central Asia

Exports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a fourfold difference between these years. In 2020, Central Asia exported 103.1 K t of edible brassicas, down 8.5% from 2019. The maximum volume of 112.6 K t was recorded in 2019, while the largest year-on-year increase of 148.6% occurred in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine were the primary buyers of edible brassicas from Central Asia, accounting for 52.4% of total exports in volume. Russia led with 48.4%, followed by Belarus at 2.9%, and Ukraine at 1.1%.

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 data indicates irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Export values dropped to their minimum in 2017 and climbed to their maximum in 2019, showing a 4.4-fold increase. In 2020, Central Asia exported edible brassicas worth 29 565 K US dollars, marking a sharp year-on-year decrease of 39.8%. The highest value of 49 112 K US dollars was recorded in 2019, which also saw the largest increase of 129.8%.

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

During 2017-2020, Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus were the largest buyers of edible brassicas from Central Asia in value terms, together comprising 53.0% of total exports. Russia accounted for 46.5%, Ukraine for 3.6%, and Belarus for 2.9%.

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 edible brassicas to Central Asia

Imports in kind, K t

The market displayed volatility over the observed period. Import volumes hit a low in 2019 and peaked in 2018, with a top-to-bottom ratio of 2.7 times. In 2020, Central Asia imported 14.3 K t of edible brassicas, indicating a steep year-on-year increase of 126.3%. The minimum volume of 6.3 K t was recorded in 2019, while the maximum of 17.3 K t occurred in 2018. The largest decline of 63.6% was observed in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China and Russia were the main sources for edible brassicas imports to Central Asia in volume, together accounting for 6.0% 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, K $ US

After a two-year rise, foreign edible brassicas supplies to Central Asia declined. In 2020, the region imported approximately 12 025 K US dollars worth of edible brassicas, representing a sharp 40.0% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 7.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.5%. The maximum value of 20 045 K US dollars was recorded in 2019, which also saw the largest increase of 53.4%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, China, Poland, and Russia formed the core of edible brassicas imports to Central Asia in value terms, together taking 14.2% of total flows. China led with 13.0%, followed by Poland and Russia each at 0.6%.

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

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