Figs market in Central Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The fig market in Central Asia expanded strongly from 2018 to 2021, with market volume growing from 22 446 t to 34 130 t. This growth was initially supported by the development of the agricultural sector in Uzbekistan, where favorable climatic conditions and improved farming practices boosted domestic fig production.

After reaching a peak in 2021, the market volume contracted to 30 326 t by 2023 as domestic production declined. During this period, imports began to rise, reaching 1 626 t in 2023, indicating a gradual shift in supply sources.

In 2024, fig imports surged to 2 229 t. This increase was influenced by greater availability of Turkish figs in Central Asian markets and a shift in consumer preferences toward natural and eco-friendly products, which supported demand for both fresh and dried figs.

Production figs in Central Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of figs, 2017-2020

World map of production of figs, 2017-2020

Fig production in Central Asia has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Central Asia produced 31 521 tons of figs, marking a solid gain of 21.1% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 47.2%, which equates to an annualized growth rate of 13.7%.

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

Exports figs from Central Asia

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the period. Volumes dropped to their lowest point in 2017 and climbed to their maximum in 2020, representing a 5.3-fold shift. In 2020, Central Asia exported 264.8 tons of figs, a rise of 171.8% compared to 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 346.1%, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 56.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and China accounted for the largest share of exports in kind. Russia represented 30.9% of exports, the United Arab Emirates 2.7%, and China 1.8%. Together, these three countries comprised 35.3% of total export flows.

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

Fig shipments from Central Asia to abroad have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Central Asia exported figs worth 660 thousand US dollars, showing an abrupt advance of 149.5% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 678.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 98.2%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and China formed the key group of partners for exports in value terms. Russia accounted for 17.5% of exports, the United Arab Emirates 4.7%, and China 2.7%. Jointly, these three countries represented 24.9% 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 figs to Central Asia

Imports in kind, t

There were noticeable fluctuations in market performance during the period. Imports fell to their lowest point in 2017 and hit their maximum in 2020, with an amplitude of 2.8 times. In 2020, the volume of fig imports into Central Asia stood at 699.7 tons, representing a 116.4% rise year-over-year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 27.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey and Iran led the ranking of suppliers of figs to Central Asia, with a joint share of 24.7% of total imports in kind.

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

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Imports bottomed in 2019 and peaked in 2020, differing by a 6.2 multiple. In 2020, fig imports into Central Asia amounted to 1 378 thousand US dollars, a steep gain of 520.5% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 222 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline in that year was 43.7%.

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

During 2017 to 2020, figs were supplied to Central Asia from many different markets. Even the largest destinations — Turkey, Iran, and Russia — together represented only 40.4% of total imports in value terms.

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

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