Central Asia: Sour Cherry Market 2025

Sour Cherry Market Size in Central Asia

After three years of growth, the Central Asian sour cherry market decreased by -0.8% to $X in 2022. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +2.2% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Sour Cherry Production in Central Asia

In value terms, sour cherry production rose to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Over the period under review, production continues to indicate a pronounced curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 when the production volume increased by 36%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

Uzbekistan (X tons) remains the largest sour cherry producing country in Central Asia, comprising approx. 98% of total volume. It was followed by Kyrgyzstan (X tons), with a 1.7% share of total production.

In Uzbekistan, sour cherry production expanded at an average annual rate of +7.5% over the period from 2012-2022.

In 2022, the average yield of sour cherries in Central Asia totaled X tons per ha, increasing by 6.4% compared with the previous year. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +3.5% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 29% against the previous year. As a result, the yield attained the peak level of X tons per ha. From 2021 to 2022, the growth of the sour cherry yield remained at a somewhat lower figure. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

The sour cherry harvested area dropped to X ha in 2022, waning by -7.6% on the previous year. The harvested area increased at an average annual rate of +3.7% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 with an increase of 35%. As a result, the harvested area reached the peak level of X ha. From 2020 to 2022, the growth of the sour cherry harvested area failed to regain momentum.

Sour Cherry Exports

Exports in Central Asia

In 2022, overseas shipments of sour cherries increased by 2,366% to X tons for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Overall, exports continue to indicate a significant increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 196,317% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

In value terms, sour cherry exports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a significant increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 108,405% against the previous year. As a result, the exports attained the peak of $X; afterwards, it flattened through to 2022.

Exports by Country

Uzbekistan prevails in exports structure, reaching X tons, which was approx. 94% of total exports in 2022. It was distantly followed by Kyrgyzstan (X tons), making up a 6.2% share of total exports.

Uzbekistan was also the fastest-growing in terms of the sour cherries exports, with a CAGR of +102.4% from 2012 to 2022. Kyrgyzstan (-42.5%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Uzbekistan (+93 p.p.) and Kyrgyzstan (+5.2 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Uzbekistan ($X) remains the largest sour cherry supplier in Central Asia, comprising 97% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Kyrgyzstan ($X), with a 2.2% share of total exports.

In Uzbekistan, sour cherry exports increased at an average annual rate of +125.5% over the period from 2012-2022.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Central Asia stood at $X per ton in 2022, waning by -23.8% against the previous year. In general, the export price recorded a perceptible curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when the export price increased by 78% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Uzbekistan ($X per ton), while Kyrgyzstan amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Uzbekistan (+11.4%).

Sour Cherry Imports

Imports in Central Asia

In 2022, overseas purchases of sour cherries were finally on the rise to reach X tons for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a pronounced reduction. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at X tons in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, sour cherry imports surged to $X in 2022. In general, imports, however, saw a deep contraction. The level of import peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, Kazakhstan (X tons) was the largest importer of sour cherries, generating 77% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Kyrgyzstan (X tons), making up a 20% share of total imports. Turkmenistan (X tons) took a relatively small share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to sour cherry imports into Kazakhstan stood at +19.6%. At the same time, Kyrgyzstan (+68.6%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Kyrgyzstan emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Central Asia, with a CAGR of +68.6% from 2012-2022. By contrast, Turkmenistan (-34.1%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Kazakhstan (+68 p.p.) and Kyrgyzstan (+20 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2022, the share of Turkmenistan (-88.7 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, Kazakhstan ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported sour cherries in Central Asia, comprising 81% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Kyrgyzstan ($X), with a 15% share of total imports.

In Kazakhstan, sour cherry imports increased at an average annual rate of +12.0% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Kyrgyzstan (+43.9% per year) and Turkmenistan (-35.1% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in Central Asia amounted to $X per ton, stabilizing at the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price showed a perceptible downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 an increase of 8% against the previous year. As a result, import price attained the peak level of $X per ton. From 2019 to 2022, the import prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Kazakhstan ($X per ton), while Kyrgyzstan ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Turkmenistan (-1.5%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) :