Lettuce and chicory market in Kyrgyzstan

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the lettuce and chicory market in Kyrgyzstan showed moderate growth, reaching 1 885 metric tons by 2021. The approval and continuation of the Export Development Program for 2019-2022 provided a framework for agricultural support. However, low utilization of production capacities at large enterprises and high import dependency constrained local output, with significant imports compensating to meet demand. In 2020, the inclusion of food security in state security led to VAT exemptions for some imported goods, indirectly affecting market dynamics.

In 2022, market volume sharply contracted to 1 443 metric tons, primarily due to the initiation of exports amounting to 398 metric tons. This shift occurred alongside geopolitical and economic factors, including sanctions against Russia and currency fluctuations, which influenced trade patterns. State measures, such as allowing zero-duty beef imports to stabilize prices, reflected broader food market regulation. The presence of large distributors like Best Asia ensured product availability and logistics across the country.

The market recovered strongly in 2023, reaching a record 2 138 metric tons. This surge was driven by a sharp increase in imports to 376 metric tons in the absence of exports. Ongoing programs for food industry development and export promotion, coupled with legislative changes aimed at improving food safety, supported market activity. Persistent high import dependency continued to shape pricing and the availability of fresh produce.

Production lettuce and chicory in Kyrgyzstan

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of lettuce and chicory, 2018-2021

World map of production of lettuce and chicory, 2018-2021

In 2019, Kyrgyzstan produced 1 807 tons of lettuce and chicory, marking the highest output in recent years. Production then declined by 3.6% in 2020 to 1 743 tons, the lowest level recorded. In 2021, output recovered slightly, increasing by 1.5% to 1 769 tons. The most significant growth occurred in 2019 with a 3.0% increase.

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

Exports lettuce and chicory from Kyrgyzstan

According to industry analysis, Kyrgyzstan did not export any lettuce and chicory between 2018 and 2021.

Imports lettuce and chicory to Kyrgyzstan

Imports in kind, t

Kyrgyzstan's imports of lettuce and chicory showed significant volatility from 2018 to 2021. In 2019, imports surged by 242.6%, the largest annual increase. However, in 2020, they fell by 17.7%, the steepest decline. By 2021, imports rebounded sharply to 116.3 tons, representing a dramatic 197.4% jump from the previous year. Overall, the difference between the highest and lowest import volumes during this period was 8.4 times.

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

From 2018 to 2021, China and Kazakhstan were the primary sources for Kyrgyzstan's lettuce and chicory imports, together making up 90.8% of the total volume. The remaining imports came from various smaller markets.

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, $ US

Kyrgyzstan's import value for lettuce and chicory has grown for three straight years. In 2021, imports reached $56 084, a substantial 169.2% increase from 2020. Over the entire 2018-2021 period, import value rose by 410%, with an average annual growth rate of 72.1%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, China and Kazakhstan dominated Kyrgyzstan's lettuce and chicory imports in value terms, accounting for 85.6% of the total. Other countries contributed smaller shares.

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

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