Uncooked pasta market in Central Asia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the uncooked pasta market in Central Asia experienced significant shifts. Initially, growing consumer preference for higher-quality products, particularly pasta made from durum wheat, supported increased consumption. This trend, coupled with an expansion of the product range and new offerings in the mid-price segment, drove market volume to a peak of 31 thousand tons in 2019. However, in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted logistics and supply chains, which, despite an initial surge in household demand during lockdowns, contributed to a contraction of the market to 25 thousand tons.

Post-pandemic stabilization in 2021, aided by the adoption of new packaging technologies, helped the market recover to 28 thousand tons. The following year, however, saw a sharp decline to 15 thousand tons as sanctions and restrictions on the import of raw materials and equipment severely impacted local production and trade flows. By 2023, the market rebounded to 23 thousand tons, fueled by a 5% increase in retail sales, growing output of premium pasta, and the industry-wide implementation of improved packaging and labeling standards.

In 2024, market dynamics continued to be shaped by ongoing investment programs worth around 40 million złoty aimed at automating packaging and expanding premium pasta production. While some major producers faced revenue pressure from declining wheat prices, industry participation in trade exhibitions and the development of new product segments, including fortified and organic options, indicated sustained market activity.

Production uncooked pasta in Central Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of uncooked pasta, 2017-2020

World map of production of uncooked pasta, 2017-2020

Central Asia's production of uncooked pasta has declined for the second year in a row. In 2019, output stood at 17 172 tonnes, but by 2020 it had fallen to 15 976 tonnes, marking a 6.9% decrease. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production actually grew by 36.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 10.9%. The peak was reached in 2018 at 18 422 tonnes, which represented a significant 57.3% increase from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2019, also at 6.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. In 2017, output value was at its lowest, then peaked in 2019 at 17 472 thousand US dollars, before dropping to 14 518 thousand US dollars in 2020—a solid 16.9% year-on-year decline. The difference between the highest and lowest values was twofold. The largest increase was recorded in 2018 at 83.2%.

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

Exports uncooked pasta from Central Asia

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decline, exports of uncooked pasta from Central Asia rebounded. In 2019, shipments were at 9 569 tonnes, their lowest point, but in 2020 they rose to 15 816 tonnes, a 65.3% increase from the prior year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 44.6%, with an annualized rate of 13.1%. The largest decline was in 2018 at 10.9%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia, Afghanistan, and Mongolia were the top destinations for Central Asia's uncooked pasta exports by volume. Russia accounted for 43.6% of exports, Afghanistan for 4.1%, and Mongolia for 1.1%, together making up 48.8% of total 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

Exports of uncooked pasta from Central Asia have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2019, the value was 9 746 thousand US dollars, and by 2020 it reached 14 373 thousand US dollars, up 47.5% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 80.5%, with an annualized rate of 21.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Afghanistan, and Mongolia contributed the most to export value. Russia made up 44.3% of exports, Afghanistan 2.8%, and Mongolia 1.4%, jointly accounting for 48.5% of total 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 uncooked pasta to Central Asia

Imports in kind, t

Imports of uncooked pasta into Central Asia have risen for the third year in a row. In 2019, imports were 23 402 tonnes, and in 2020 they increased to 25 180 tonnes, up 7.6% year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports surged by 118%, with an average annual growth rate of 29.7%.

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

Over the 2017–2020 period, Russia, Italy, and China were the main suppliers of uncooked pasta to Central Asia by volume. Russia accounted for 54.0% of imports, Italy for 5.0%, and China for 3.5%, together comprising 62.5% of total imports.

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

Cross-border shipments of uncooked pasta into Central Asia have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2019, imports were valued at 25 907 thousand US dollars, and in 2020 they reached 26 684 thousand US dollars, a slight 3.0% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports jumped by 129.8%, with an annualized rate of 32.0%.

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

In the years 2017 to 2020, Russia, Italy, and Poland held the largest shares of import value. Russia accounted for 63.0% of imports, Italy for 6.7%, and Poland for 3.0%, together making up 72.7% of total flows.

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

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