Central Asia: Cheese Market 2024

Cheese Market Size in Central Asia

In 2021, the Central Asian cheese market increased by 2.3% to $X, rising for the fifth consecutive year after three years of decline. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.3% over the period from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The level of consumption peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Cheese Production in Central Asia

In value terms, cheese production fell to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.6% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the production volume increased by 8.8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2020, and then declined in the following year.

Cheese Exports

Exports in Central Asia

In 2021, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in overseas shipments of cheese, when their volume decreased by -8.9% to X tons. In general, exports, however, saw a resilient increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 when exports increased by 244% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at X tons in 2020, and then shrank in the following year.

In value terms, cheese exports contracted to $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, saw resilient growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when exports increased by 148%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at $X in 2020, and then declined in the following year.

Exports by Country

The biggest shipments were from Kazakhstan (X tons) and Kyrgyzstan (X tons), together finishing at 100% of total export.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the leading exporting countries, was attained by Kazakhstan (with a CAGR of +21.3%).

In value terms, Kazakhstan ($X) and Kyrgyzstan ($X) were the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2021.

Among the main exporting countries, Kazakhstan, with a CAGR of +23.2%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Central Asia stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 4% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, saw a perceptible contraction. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when the export price increased by 20% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Kazakhstan ($X per ton), while Kyrgyzstan totaled $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Kazakhstan (+1.5%).

Cheese Imports

Imports in Central Asia

In 2021, cheese imports in Central Asia rose markedly to X tons, growing by 9.2% against the previous year. Total imports indicated a measured increase from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.8% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +27.1% against 2017 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 19% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum in 2021 and are likely to see gradual growth in years to come.

In value terms, cheese imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Total imports indicated a measured expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.3% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +40.8% against 2017 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 when imports increased by 40% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs in 2021 and are expected to retain growth in the near future.

Imports by Country

Kazakhstan prevails in imports structure, finishing at X tons, which was approx. 80% of total imports in 2021. Uzbekistan (X tons) ranks second in terms of the total imports with an 8% share, followed by Mongolia (6.8%). Kyrgyzstan (X tons) took a relatively small share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, average annual rates of growth with regard to cheese imports into Kazakhstan stood at +4.4%. At the same time, Uzbekistan (+28.3%), Mongolia (+17.1%) and Kyrgyzstan (+11.1%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Uzbekistan emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Central Asia, with a CAGR of +28.3% from 2012-2021. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Uzbekistan and Mongolia increased by +8 and +4.3 percentage points, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Kazakhstan ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported cheese in Central Asia, comprising 77% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Uzbekistan ($X), with a 10% share of total imports. It was followed by Mongolia, with a 7.6% share.

In Kazakhstan, cheese imports increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% over the period from 2012-2021. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Uzbekistan (+51.2% per year) and Mongolia (+16.2% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Central Asia stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 17% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, continues to indicate a slight downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the import price increased by 18% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, major importing countries recorded the following prices: in Uzbekistan ($X per ton) and Mongolia ($X per ton), while Kazakhstan ($X per ton) and Kyrgyzstan ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Uzbekistan (+17.9%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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