Sour cherries market in Uzbekistan

Earlier Report Observations

The sour cherries market in Uzbekistan expanded consistently from 56 618 tons in 2018 to 85 495 tons in 2023. This growth was initially fueled by the development of domestic retail channels, with cherries first appearing in supermarkets in 2020, which improved product accessibility and stimulated consumer interest. Subsequent emphasis on quality and availability in 2021 helped maintain demand.

Production capacity increased as Uzbekistan solidified its position as a leading global cherry exporter, reflecting broader investments in the fruit sector. Government backing for the industry became evident with plans to plant over 43 000 hectares of intensive orchards from 2024 onward. Regional trade dynamics, such as shifts in cherry supplies to Russia, also influenced export opportunities, though the market remained predominantly driven by domestic consumption.

Policy measures began shaping the trade environment, including the establishment of an Export Commission for fruits and vegetables and the introduction of minimum export prices in 2024. Strong external demand, coupled with a 70% surge in wholesale prices in 2024 due to global shortages, further incentivized production. By 2024, Uzbekistan had expanded its fresh produce export reach to 73 countries, indicating growing international integration.

Production sour cherries in Uzbekistan

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Uzbekistan ranked as the world's ninth-largest producer of sour cherries.

Top producers of sour cherries, 2017-2020

World map of production of sour cherries, 2017-2020

Uzbekistan's sour cherry production grew for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 70 650 tonnes, showing a modest 8.7% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 23.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.4%. The lowest output was in 2018 at 56 665 tonnes, which saw a slight decline of 0.7%. The most significant growth occurred in 2019, with a 14.7% increase.

Annual dynamics of production in Uzbekistan in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Uzbekistan's sour cherry production value also increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 49 678 thousand US dollars, representing a 21.4% year-over-year rise. Between 2017 and 2020, the value grew by 45.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 13.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 29 239 thousand US dollars, marking a 14.5% decrease. The largest increase happened in 2019, with a 40.0% jump.

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

Exports sour cherries from Uzbekistan

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable trend during this period. Export levels varied significantly, with a 8.6-fold difference between the low in 2017 and the high in 2019. In 2020, Uzbekistan exported 134.2 tonnes of sour cherries, a sharp 47.7% drop from the previous year. The peak was in 2019 at 256.3 tonnes, which saw a massive 445.3% increase.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Russia were the core markets for Uzbekistan's sour cherry exports in volume terms. Kazakhstan accounted for 30.3% of exports, Turkmenistan for 23.1%, and Russia for 14.4%, together making up 67.7% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data indicates irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. The lowest value was observed in 2017, while the highest was in 2019, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 9.1 times. In 2020, Uzbekistan exported sour cherries worth 94.4 thousand US dollars, a 41.5% decrease from the previous year. The maximum value was in 2019 at 161.3 thousand US dollars, which experienced a 565.1% surge.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan were the main markets for Uzbekistan's sour cherry exports in value terms. Kazakhstan represented 24.6% of exports, Kyrgyzstan 19.1%, and Turkmenistan 19.1%, collectively accounting for 62.8% of total flows.

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

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

Imports sour cherries to Uzbekistan

Imports in kind, t

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

From 2017 to 2020, China was the sole partner for Uzbekistan's sour cherry imports in volume terms, accounting for 100.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, China was overwhelmingly the main source for Uzbekistan's sour cherry imports in value terms, representing 100.0% of total flows.

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

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