Garlic market in Kyrgyzstan

Earlier Report Observations

Production of fresh garlic in Kyrgyzstan increased sharply from 55 523 т in 2018 to 69 201 т in 2019, with the market volume rising to 68 315 т. This growth was supported by the State Food Security Program for 2018‑2022, which aimed to strengthen agricultural production and involved various forms of farming entities, including state‑owned and cooperative farms.

In the following years, production stabilized around 68 000 т, while the market volume dipped to 65 138 т in 2021. During this period, export shipments to Russia grew significantly, reaching 2 953 т in 2021, as reduced garlic cultivation areas in Russia created additional demand for Kyrgyz supplies. The COVID‑19 pandemic prompted further food security measures, helping to maintain production levels.

A renewed expansion occurred from 2022, with production climbing to 75 561 т and the market volume to 72 768 т. Legislative amendments to land laws and the introduction of a unified procedure for cash‑register machines improved the operating environment for farmers and traders. Simultaneously, shifts in Russia’s import patterns—with lower shipments from China and Egypt—opened more room for Kyrgyz exports, which exceeded 3 000 т annually. By 2023, production reached 81 606 т and the market 78 777 т, while a published ranking of the country’s largest companies highlighted the growing role of major players in the agricultural sector.

Production garlic in Kyrgyzstan

In kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Kyrgyzstan ranked 22nd globally in garlic production volume.

Top producers of garlic, 2018-2021

World map of production of garlic, 2018-2021

Kyrgyzstan's garlic production declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 67 473 tonnes of garlic, marking a 1.3% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 21.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 69 201 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 24.6%.

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

Exports garlic from Kyrgyzstan

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2021, with a 7.5-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Kyrgyzstan exported 2 953 tonnes of garlic, showing a sharp year-over-year increase of 168.6%. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 18.3%, while the biggest increase was in 2019 at 242.3%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Iraq were the main destinations for Kyrgyzstan's garlic exports, accounting for 86.5% of total exports in volume. Russia led with 49.2%, followed by Kazakhstan at 30.3%, and Iraq at 7.0%.

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

The market showed volatile behavior during these years. Exports in value terms hit their lowest in 2018 and peaked in 2021, with a 2.8-fold difference. In 2021, Kyrgyzstan exported garlic worth 874.6 thousand US dollars, representing a dramatic 88.0% increase from the previous year. The largest decline was in 2020 at 45.6%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2019 at 169.2%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Russia and Kazakhstan remained the top markets for Kyrgyzstan's garlic exports in value terms, together making up 80.0% of total flows, with other partners playing a supplementary role.

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

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

Imports garlic to Kyrgyzstan

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports bottomed in 2020 and peaked in 2018, with a 2.7-fold difference. In 2021, garlic deliveries to Kyrgyzstan totaled 618 tonnes, up 124.2% year-over-year. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 276 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 40.0%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, China, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan were the largest suppliers of garlic to Kyrgyzstan in volume, together accounting for 86.6% of total imports. China led with 62.4%, followed by Kazakhstan at 13.8%, and Uzbekistan at 10.5%.

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

Volatility characterized the market during these years. Imports in value terms reached their lowest in 2020 and peaked in 2018, with a 3.1-fold difference. In 2021, Kyrgyzstan imported garlic worth 690.4 thousand US dollars, which is 205.1% higher than in 2020. The minimum value was in 2020 at 226.3 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 57.9%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan consistently held leading positions in Kyrgyzstan's garlic imports by value, jointly accounting for 90.3% of total flows. China contributed 53.0%, Kazakhstan 21.9%, and Uzbekistan 15.5%.

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

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