Central Asia: Potato Market 2025

Potato Market Size in Central Asia

In 2021, the Central Asian potato market decreased by -7.2% to $X for the first time since 2018, thus ending a two-year rising trend. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +3.5% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2020, and then shrank in the following year.

Potato Production in Central Asia

In value terms, potato production shrank significantly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. In general, production, however, saw a moderate increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the production volume increased by 91%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2020, and then fell dramatically in the following year.

The countries with the highest volumes of production in 2021 were Kazakhstan (X tons), Uzbekistan (X tons) and Kyrgyzstan (X tons), together accounting for 85% of total production.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were in Uzbekistan (with a CAGR of +4.7%), while production for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

The average potato yield reduced slightly to X tons per ha in 2021, flattening at the previous year's figure. The yield figure increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of 7.1%. The level of yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2020, and then dropped slightly in the following year. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

The potato harvested area amounted to X ha in 2021, almost unchanged from the previous year. Over the period under review, the harvested area showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the harvested area increased by 6.8% against the previous year. The level of harvested area peaked at X ha in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the harvested area stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Potato Exports

Exports in Central Asia

After two years of growth, overseas shipments of potatoes decreased by -37% to X tons in 2021. In general, exports saw a noticeable descent. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 206% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2020, and then contracted sharply in the following year.

In value terms, potato exports shrank remarkably to $X in 2021. Overall, exports continue to indicate a deep contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 with an increase of 280% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Kyrgyzstan dominates exports structure, recording X tons, which was near 94% of total exports in 2021. The following exporters - Kazakhstan (X tons) and Uzbekistan (X tons) - each accounted for a 6.2% share of total exports.

Exports from Kyrgyzstan decreased at an average annual rate of -4.3% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Uzbekistan (+95.3%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Uzbekistan emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Central Asia, with a CAGR of +95.3% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Kazakhstan (-12.5%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan increased by +2.7 and +2.3 percentage points, respectively.

In value terms, Kyrgyzstan ($X) remains the largest potato supplier in Central Asia, comprising 87% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Uzbekistan ($X), with a 7.3% share of total exports.

In Kyrgyzstan, potato exports declined by an average annual rate of -6.3% over the period from 2012-2021. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Uzbekistan (+148.8% per year) and Kazakhstan (-9.6% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Central Asia stood at $X per ton in 2021, picking up by 28% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, recorded a mild contraction. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Uzbekistan ($X per ton), while Kyrgyzstan ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Uzbekistan (+27.5%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Potato Imports

Imports in Central Asia

In 2021, overseas purchases of potatoes increased by 6.3% to X tons, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. In general, imports showed a remarkable increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when imports increased by 370% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked in 2021 and is expected to retain growth in the near future.

In value terms, potato imports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Overall, imports enjoyed prominent growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 247%. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2018 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

Uzbekistan prevails in imports structure, recording X tons, which was approx. 86% of total imports in 2021. It was distantly followed by Kazakhstan (X tons), achieving an 8.8% share of total imports. Tajikistan (X tons) held a minor share of total imports.

Imports into Uzbekistan increased at an average annual rate of +16.3% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Tajikistan (+21.2%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Tajikistan emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Central Asia, with a CAGR of +21.2% from 2012-2021. By contrast, Kazakhstan (-7.0%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan increased by +86 and +1.5 percentage points, respectively.

In value terms, Uzbekistan ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported potatoes in Central Asia, comprising 83% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Kazakhstan ($X), with a 9.3% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Uzbekistan totaled +17.1%. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Kazakhstan (-7.9% per year) and Tajikistan (+20.4% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Central Asia amounted to $X per ton, surging by 60% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price, however, saw a pronounced setback. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2016; however, from 2017 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Tajikistan ($X per ton), while Uzbekistan ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Uzbekistan (+0.7%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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