Maize market in Kyrgyzstan

Earlier Report Observations

The maize market in Kyrgyzstan showed modest fluctuations between 2018 and 2022, with its volume moving within a range of 683 to 713 thousand tonnes. A notable expansion occurred in 2023, when the market size rose by 14.9% to reach 785 thousand tonnes, marking the highest point in the observed period.

By 2024, the domestic production of maize covered 86.2% of the estimated national requirement of 309 thousand tonnes, indicating a persistent supply gap that was partially offset by imports. During the first half of the year, corn imports fell by 10%, reflecting shifts in supply chains and increased domestic output.

In 2025, active support from the Ministry of Agriculture and expanded export opportunities became key market drivers. Exports of maize grew by 79%, primarily to Uzbekistan, and shipments to China commenced. The introduction of drip and sprinkler irrigation systems across 8.3 thousand hectares, along with a rising share of domestically bred seeds, contributed to higher yields and strengthened the sector's competitiveness.

Production maize in Kyrgyzstan

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Top producers of maize, 2018-2021

World map of production of maize, 2018-2021

Maize production in Kyrgyzstan declined in 2021 after two years of growth. The country produced 691.1 thousand tons of maize that year, which was 3.2% lower than in 2020. Production had peaked in 2020 at 714.1 thousand tons, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2019 at 2.7%.

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

Exports maize from Kyrgyzstan

Exports in kind, t

Maize exports from Kyrgyzstan have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 5 666 tons, marking a sharp 55.0% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 1 530.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 153.6%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the geographical distribution of maize exports from Kyrgyzstan was dominated by Uzbekistan, which accounted for 70.9% of total export volumes. Other trading partners held relatively minor shares during this period.

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

Cross-border shipments of maize from Kyrgyzstan have increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, the export value amounted to 1 094 thousand US dollars, showing a sudden year-over-year rise of 109.5%. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 1 783%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 166.0%.

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

Throughout 2018–2021, two countries—Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan—accounted for the majority of maize export value from Kyrgyzstan. Other markets were individually less significant during this timeframe.

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

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

Imports maize to Kyrgyzstan

Imports in kind, t

Maize imports into Kyrgyzstan showed significant volatility from 2018 to 2021. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.8-fold difference between these years. In 2021, import volume amounted to 1 218 tons, representing a substantial 72.9% increase compared to 2020. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 651 tons. The largest annual decline occurred in 2020 at 57.3%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 184.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, three key markets—Russia, Turkey, and Kazakhstan—were central to Kyrgyzstan's maize imports in volume terms. Together, they accounted for 57.9% of total import flows during this period.

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

Maize import values into Kyrgyzstan exhibited considerable volatility from 2018 to 2021. Imports were at their lowest in 2018 and reached their highest in 2021, with a 2.6-fold variation between these years. In 2021, Kyrgyzstan imported maize worth 3 331 thousand US dollars, which was 85.9% higher than the previous year. The largest annual decline occurred in 2020 at 33.5%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 111.7%.

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

In 2018–2021, Turkey (24.6% of import value), Hungary (18.9% of import value), and Kazakhstan (12.5% of import value) led the structure of maize imports into Kyrgyzstan in value terms. Collectively, these three countries represented 56.0% of total import flows.

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

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