Pumpkins, squash and gourds market in Kazakhstan

Earlier Report Observations

The entry of new players from Poland, Azerbaijan, and China into Kazakhstan's fresh vegetable market in 2018 broadened product assortment and competition. The market volume for pumpkins, squash and gourds then declined to 175.6 thousand tons in 2019 but stabilized near 177.3 thousand tons in 2020.

A major state greening program launched in 2021, targeting the planting of 2 billion tree and shrub seedlings, stimulated demand for cucurbit crops and contributed to a market rise to 203.2 thousand tons. Implementation challenges in 2022 saw the ornamental plant segment fall 20% short of planned volumes, coinciding with a market decrease to 195.4 thousand tons for pumpkins and squash.

Market volume recovered to 207.3 thousand tons in 2023, supported by concentrated production among key agro-firms and legislative changes facilitating private entrepreneurship in vegetable trade. In 2024, new state support rules for domestic trade, a pilot digital food voucher project, and a 1.5-fold increase in vegetable exports fostered a supportive environment, though adverse weather conditions posed challenges to yields.

Production pumpkins, squash and gourds in Kazakhstan

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Globally, Kazakhstan ranked as the 30th largest producer of pumpkins, squash, and gourds from 2017 to 2020.

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

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

In 2020, Kazakhstan produced 177.3 thousand tonnes of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, marking a 6.7% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 29%, with an average annual growth rate of 8.9%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 183.0 thousand tonnes. The most significant decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 9.2%, while the largest increase was in 2018, rising by 33.2%.

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

Exports pumpkins, squash and gourds from Kazakhstan

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Import levels varied significantly, with a 11.6-fold difference between the low in 2017 and the high in 2020. In 2020, Kazakhstan's cross-border shipments of pumpkins, squash, and gourds reached 1 950 tonnes, representing a sharp increase of 512.6% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019, falling by 48.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kazakhstan's exports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds were primarily directed to Russia, which accounted for 90.1% of total exports in volume.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Kazakhstan in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Market behavior was characterized by volatility during these years. Import levels fluctuated, showing a 4.4-fold difference between the low in 2019 and the high in 2020. In 2020, Kazakhstan exported 390 thousand US dollars worth of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, up by 339.1% from 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 89 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 5.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, nearly all exports in value terms of pumpkins, squash, and gourds from Kazakhstan were linked to Russia, whose share reached 94.3% of total flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Kazakhstan in value, 2017-2020

Imports pumpkins, squash and gourds to Kazakhstan

Imports in kind, t

Noticeable fluctuations were observed in market performance during this period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2018, with an 8.3-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Kazakhstan's imports of pumpkins, squash, and gourds from abroad amounted to 1 996 tonnes, reflecting a decrease of 79.4% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 16 528 tonnes, with the largest increase that year at 425.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kazakhstan's import structure in volume was heavily concentrated on Uzbekistan, which held a 78.4% share of total flows, while other partners made up the remainder.

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

World map of product's imports to Kazakhstan in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Imports hit their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2018, with a 3.5-fold gap between these years. In 2020, Kazakhstan imported approximately 822 thousand US dollars worth of pumpkins, squash, and gourds, indicating a steep contraction of 67.3% year-over-year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 2 918 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 82.6%.

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

During 2017-2020, China and Uzbekistan dominated the import market in value terms, together accounting for 94.8% of total flows, with other partners playing a supplementary role.

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

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