Sunflower or safflower oil and fractions market in Kyrgyzstan

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for sunflower or safflower oil in Kyrgyzstan declined from 46 300 t in 2018 to 34 709 t in 2020, with domestic production falling from 6 171 t to 2 273 t over the same period. The country's processing sector consisted of eight oil extraction plants, which covered only about 8% of annual vegetable oil consumption, highlighting a structural reliance on imports.

Market volume rebounded to 44 877 t by 2022, driven by a sharp rise in imports to 41 736 t. This recovery coincided with the active development of sunflower oil production in Kazakhstan, a key supplier, where expanded output and improved market analysis facilitated greater exports to neighboring countries including Kyrgyzstan.

In 2023, market volume contracted to 42 464 t. The introduction of a 20% export duty on sunflower seeds in Kazakhstan from February 2023 restricted raw material exports, reducing sunflower oil supplies available for shipment to Kyrgyzstan. Subsequently, Kazakhstan reported further production growth and new refining capacities in 2024-2025, while Kyrgyzstan's self-sufficiency rate for vegetable oils remained at only 44%, underscoring persistent import dependency.

Production sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in Kyrgyzstan

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions, 2018-2021

World map of production of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions, 2018-2021

Kyrgyzstan's production of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 2 273 tonnes, marking a 38.1% decrease compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, production fell by 63.2%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 28.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Kyrgyzstan in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports sunflower or safflower oil and fractions from Kyrgyzstan

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Export levels fluctuated significantly, with a 2 480-fold difference between the peak in 2018 and the low in 2021. In 2021, Kyrgyzstan exported just 0.1 tonnes of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions, representing a sharp year-over-year decline of 99.9%. The largest increase occurred in 2020, at 119.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Kyrgyzstan in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, three key markets—Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China—collectively accounted for 95.2% of Kyrgyzstan's total exports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions in kind.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Kyrgyzstan in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed volatility over the observed period. Exports changed dramatically, with a 15 029-fold difference from the peak in 2020 to the trough in 2021. In 2021, Kyrgyzstan exported 0.0 thousand US dollars of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions, a 100.0% decline from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2020 at 120 thousand US dollars, with the largest increase that year at 559.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Kyrgyzstan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Uzbekistan (46.8% of exports in value terms), Tajikistan (32.0%), and China (16.3%) consistently led the country structure of exports in value terms, together accounting for 95.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Kyrgyzstan in value, 2018-2021

Imports sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to Kyrgyzstan

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year reduction, imports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions into Kyrgyzstan increased. In 2021, imports amounted to 36 186 tonnes, showing a solid 16.3% rise compared to the prior year. From 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 10.1%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 3.5%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 31 126 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 17.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Kyrgyzstan in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Russia and Kazakhstan played key roles in imports of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to Kyrgyzstan, together accounting for 99.8% of total flows in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Kyrgyzstan in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decline, the volume of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions imports into Kyrgyzstan increased. In 2021, Kyrgyzstan imported a total of 41 109 thousand US dollars, which is 59.1% higher than the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, imports rose by 16.3%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 5.2%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 25 833 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 21.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Kyrgyzstan in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Russia and Kazakhstan clearly dominated the list of suppliers of sunflower or safflower oil and fractions to Kyrgyzstan, jointly accounting for 99.5% of total imports in value terms.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Kyrgyzstan in value, 2018-2021