Sour cherries market in Central Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The sour cherry market in Central Asia expanded consistently from 56,850 tons in 2018 to 85,740 tons in 2023. This growth was primarily supported by the region's broader agricultural development, where increased focus on berry production and ongoing infrastructure improvements enhanced farmers' access to both local and export markets.

Regional demand played a significant role, particularly from Russia where cherry sales rose by 26% between 2015 and 2019, stimulating exports from Central Asia. Despite logistical disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, the market proved resilient. Furthermore, rising investments in Central Asia's agricultural sector and the development of new product segments provided additional momentum for production growth through the period.

The development of new trade corridors and transport infrastructure, such as the Middle Corridor projects, helped maintain and diversify export flows. This infrastructure expansion, along with intensified regional cooperation under initiatives like 'Central Asia-2040', strengthened the region's market connectivity and supported the steady increase in overall market volume.

Production sour cherries in Central Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of sour cherries, 2017-2020

World map of production of sour cherries, 2017-2020

Central Asia's sour cherry production has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 70 850 tonnes of sour cherries, marking an 8.6% increase compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 23.7%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 7.4%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 56 865 tonnes. That year also saw the smallest decline of 0.7%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase, with production jumping by 14.7%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Central Asia's sour cherry production value has declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 63 919 thousand US dollars, representing a significant year-over-year decrease of 13.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 80 077 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 23.0%.

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

Exports sour cherries from Central Asia

Exports in kind, t

The market showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports fell sharply from their peak in 2017 to their lowest point in 2018, dropping by 20 times. In 2020, foreign sour cherry supplies from Central Asia amounted to 105 tonnes, indicating a sharp decline of 32.4% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 51 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 95.0%. On the other hand, 2019 experienced the largest increase, with exports surging by 206.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Afghanistan, and Syria emerged as the main markets for sour cherry exports in kind. Russia accounted for 60.4% of exports, Afghanistan for 3.7%, and Syria for 2.7%. Together, these three countries represented 66.8% of total export 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

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. The highest export value was reached in 2017, while the lowest occurred in 2018, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 16 times. In 2020, sour cherry exports from Central Asia totalled 94 thousand US dollars, showing a decline of 45.8% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 71 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 93.8%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase, with export value rising by 144.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia, Afghanistan, and Syria formed the primary group of destinations for sour cherry exports in value terms from Central Asia. Russia held 67.7% of exports, Afghanistan 2.4%, and Syria 1.5%. Collectively, these countries accounted for 71.6% of total export 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 sour cherries to Central Asia

Imports in kind, t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the period. Imports peaked in 2017 and reached their lowest point in 2020, with a 10.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, foreign sour cherry supplies to Central Asia totalled 14 tonnes, indicating a decrease of 86.0% compared to the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, with imports growing by 185.5%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Azerbaijan clearly led the country structure of sour cherry imports in kind, with a share reaching 2.4% 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 market showed signs of volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their highest value in 2017 and their lowest in 2020, reflecting a 6-fold gap. In 2020, sour cherry imports into Central Asia amounted to 39 thousand US dollars, which is 80.3% less than in 2019. The largest increase was recorded in 2019, with import value rising by 262.1%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Azerbaijan remained the principal supplier of sour cherries to Central Asia, accounting for 2.3% of total imports in value terms.

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

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