Sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions market in Kyrgyzstan

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the market volume for sunflower, safflower, and cottonseed oil in Kyrgyzstan fluctuated between 42 170 t and 56 996 t. The decline to 42 170 t in 2020 coincided with Kazakhstan's restrictions on sunflower seed exports, which tightened regional supply and contributed to lower imports into Kyrgyzstan. Recovery began in 2021 as Kazakh processors increased output of refined and unrefined oils, boosting exports to neighboring markets.

Domestic production in Kyrgyzstan fell from 12 060 t in 2018 to 5 903 t in 2021, then rebounded to 9 519 t in 2023. This recovery aligned with the entry of new specialized players in Kazakhstan, such as Kaz-Ir Agro in safflower oil, and broader investments in oilseed processing that improved regional technology transfer. The introduction of Kazakh export duties on sunflower seeds in 2022 further stimulated domestic refining there, increasing oil availability for export.

Imports into Kyrgyzstan, which constitute the majority of supply, varied from 35 076 t in 2020 to 45 962 t in 2022. The 2022 import rise followed Kazakhstan's export duty policy, which encouraged higher oil shipments abroad. In 2024 and 2025, import levels remained volatile as Kazakhstan continued to adjust its export policies and expand refinery capacity, influencing regional trade flows.

Production sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions in Kyrgyzstan

In kind, 2018-2021, t

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

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

Kyrgyzstan's production of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions has declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 5 903 tonnes, marking a significant decrease of 17.8% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production fell by 51.1%, which translates to an annualized decline rate of 21.2%.

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

Exports sunflower, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions from Kyrgyzstan

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2021 and peaked in 2018, with a 1 409-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Kyrgyzstan's exports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions amounted to 0.1 tonnes, representing a sharp drop of 99.9% from the previous year. 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, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China consistently held the top positions in the country structure of exports in kind. Uzbekistan accounted for 52.5% of exports, Tajikistan for 27.0%, and China for 15.8%, together making up 95.2% of total flows.

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 exhibited volatility during the observed period. Import levels fluctuated significantly, with a 1 321-fold difference between the high in 2020 and the low in 2021. In 2021, deliveries of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions from Kyrgyzstan reached 0.1 thousand US dollars, down by 99.9% compared to 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

Throughout 2018–2021, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China formed the core of exports in value terms. Uzbekistan contributed 46.8% of exports, Tajikistan 32.0%, and China 16.3%, collectively accounting for 95.1% 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, safflower or cottonseed oil and fractions to Kyrgyzstan

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, Kyrgyzstan's imports of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions increased. In 2021, the country imported 39 812 tonnes, indicating a rise of 13.5% compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 11.6%, equating to an annualized rate of decline of 4.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 35 076 tonnes, with the largest decline that year at 20.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Russia and Kazakhstan remained the primary sources for imports in kind, together accounting for 99.4% of total flows.

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

Following a two-year contraction, the volume of sunflower, safflower, or cottonseed oil and fractions imports into Kyrgyzstan increased. In 2021, imports were recorded at 47 109 thousand US dollars, which is 59.7% higher than in 2020. Over the period 2018–2021, imports grew by 18.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.8%. The minimum value was in 2020 at 29 496 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 24.0%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, two countries—Russia and Kazakhstan—dominated imports in value terms, holding a combined share of 99.2% of total flows.

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

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