Kyrgyzstan Boosts Coal Exports, Achieves Significant Trade Surplus

Kyrgyzstan's coal sector generated a substantial trade surplus exceeding $44.7 million in the first six months of 2026, with exports significantly outpacing imports. Coal and lignite shipments were 7.5 times greater than the volume imported, according to data from the National Statistical Committee. Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and China were the primary destinations for these exports.

Total exports of hard coal, lignite, and petroleum coke reached $51.6 million during the first half of the year. Hard coal exports alone amounted to 626,562.3 tonnes, valued at $29.6 million, marking a 10.7 percent increase from the same period in the previous year. Uzbekistan was the largest buyer, purchasing 600,137.8 tonnes for $28.7 million. Lignite exports also saw a considerable rise, increasing by 52.8 percent to 385,946.5 tonnes, worth $21.9 million, with Uzbekistan again being the main market.

In contrast, Kyrgyzstan's imports of solid fuels and related materials fell sharply, totaling $6.9 million in the first half of 2026. Despite a slight increase in hard coal imports in June, the six-month figure represented a 62.3 percent decrease in physical terms compared to the previous year. Kazakhstan supplied nearly all of Kyrgyzstan's hard coal imports. Imports of coke, semi-coke, peat, and lignite also saw fluctuations, with peat imports doubling from 2025 figures, primarily from Russia and Latvia.