Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in Central Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for fresh pumpkins, squash and gourds in Central Asia began the period at 184.4 thousand tons in 2018, supported by growing domestic consumption and the entry of new players. Market volume dipped to 172.4 thousand tons the following year before recovering to 178.9 thousand tons in 2020. This recovery was primarily driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted global supply chains, reduced imports of fresh produce, and stimulated an increase in domestic cultivation to meet local demand.

From 2021, the market expanded sharply to 205.6 thousand tons, fueled by significant investment in the agricultural sector and the emergence of new product segments focused on organic and eco-friendly production. Updated labeling and packaging legislation aimed at improving traceability also supported this growth. Regional trade policy shifts and logistical challenges contributed to a temporary contraction to 196.6 thousand tons in 2022. The market then reached 206.9 thousand tons in 2023, aided by continued state investment programs, the launch of new large-scale production facilities, and evolving consumer preferences toward healthier and environmentally conscious options.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in Central Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

World map of production of pumpkins, squash and gourds, 2017-2020

In 2020, Central Asia produced 180.8 thousand tons of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, marking a 6.4% increase from the previous year. Production grew by 28.4% between 2017 and 2020, averaging an annual growth rate of 8.7%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 186.5 thousand tons. In 2019, production saw its largest decline of 8.9%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2018 with a 32.5% rise.

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

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from Central Asia

Exports in kind, t

The export market showed significant volatility during this period. Exports peaked in 2018 and reached their lowest point in 2019, with an 11.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Central Asia exported 2,762 tons of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, representing a substantial increase of 438.8% compared to 2019. The minimum export volume was 512 tons in 2019, while the maximum was 5,974 tons in 2018. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 91.4% drop, and the largest increase was in 2018 with a 1,047.7% surge.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia was the dominant destination for exports in kind, accounting for 17.6% of total 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

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations over the period. Exports in value terms peaked in 2018 and hit a low in 2017, with a 12.7-fold variation. In 2020, Central Asia's pumpkin, squash, and gourd exports totaled 709 thousand US dollars, down by 73.6% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 3,585 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 1,170.5%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia was the leading destination for exports in value terms, capturing 14.7% 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 pumpkins, squash and gourds to Central Asia

Imports in kind, t

Import trends were unstable throughout the timeframe. Imports fluctuated 4.3-fold, with the highest level in 2018 and the lowest in 2020. In 2020, Central Asia imported 897 tons of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, a decrease of 70.5% from the previous year. The maximum import volume was 3,853 tons in 2018, and the largest increase occurred that year with a 51.1% rise.

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

During 2017–2020, China, Russia, and Turkey formed the core of imports in kind, with shares of 19.0%, 0.5%, and 0.5%, respectively, collectively accounting for 20.1% 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

The import market displayed an unstable trend over the period. Import volumes varied 3.5 times, from the high in 2018 to the low in 2020. In 2020, Central Asia imported pumpkins, squash, and gourds worth 860 thousand US dollars, which is 66.7% less than the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 2,993 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 82.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Turkey, and the Netherlands were the top contributors to imports in value terms, with shares of 50.4%, 1.3%, and 1.0%, respectively, jointly making up 52.7% 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