Plums and sloes market in Central Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh plums and sloes in Central Asia began the period at 182.5 thousand tons in 2018. It declined to 169.4 thousand tons in 2019, a movement that aligned with Uzbek fruit companies prioritizing export expansion into the EAEU market, which reduced the volume available for domestic consumption. The market then recovered to 176.4 thousand tons in 2020.

A phase of sustained growth followed from 2021, driven primarily by increased production in Uzbekistan. Market volume rose to 195.1 thousand tons in 2021 as the country's major producers scaled their output. This trend continued into 2022, with the market reaching 206.3 thousand tons, supported by robust production and export performance even amidst geopolitical uncertainties and post-pandemic adjustments. By 2023, the market volume stabilized at 204.9 thousand tons, a period during which the region navigated the indirect effects of international sanctions and tariffs, while broader economic recovery in Kazakhstan and elsewhere bolstered investment in the agricultural sector.

Production plums and sloes in Central Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of plums and sloes, 2017-2020

World map of production of plums and sloes, 2017-2020

In Central Asia, plum and sloe production reached 190.1 thousand tons in 2020, marking a slight decrease of 1.3% compared to 2019. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 10.5%, which translates to an average annual increase of 3.4%. The peak production occurred in 2018, with 192.6 thousand tons, and that year also saw the largest annual growth at 11.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, plum and sloe production in Central Asia experienced a decline. In 2020, the output was valued at 163.1 million US dollars, representing a significant drop of 30.7% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value increased by 26.4%, averaging an 8.1% annual growth rate. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 235.4 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 45.2% occurring in 2018.

Annual dynamics of production in Central Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports plums and sloes from Central Asia

Exports in kind, t

After two consecutive years of growth, Central Asia's plum and sloe export volume declined. In 2020, exports totaled 18 248 tons, which is 28.4% lower than the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 13.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.7%. The peak export volume was in 2019 at 25 488 tons, and that year also recorded the largest annual increase of 15.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia was the primary destination for Central Asia's plum and sloe exports in volume terms, accounting for 40.9% of total shipments.

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

Following a two-year upward trend, Central Asia's cross-border shipments of plums and sloes in value terms declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 15.648 million US dollars, showing a sharp year-on-year drop of 49.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 31.153 million US dollars, with the largest annual increase of 45.6% also occurring that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia consistently held the leading position in the value of plum and sloe exports from Central Asia, representing 33.6% of total 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 plums and sloes to Central Asia

Imports in kind, t

The import market for plums and sloes in Central Asia showed considerable volatility during this period. The volume varied significantly, with a 5.2-fold difference between the peak in 2018 and the low in 2019. In 2020, imports reached 4 465 tons, up by 97.3% from 2019. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 2 263 tons, while the highest was in 2018 at 11 828 tons. The largest annual decline occurred in 2019 at 80.9%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 383.0%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Azerbaijan and China were the main sources for Central Asia's plum and sloe imports in volume terms, together making up 1.3% of total flows.

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

Cross-border shipments of plums and sloes into Central Asia declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at 5.632 million US dollars, reflecting a steep drop of 66.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 57.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -24.8%. The peak value was in 2018 at 17.127 million US dollars, and the largest annual increase of 29.3% also occurred that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China and Azerbaijan were the key contributors to Central Asia's plum and sloe imports in value terms, together accounting for 1.5% of total flows.

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

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