Kyrgyzstan Imports $21.8 Million in Non-Alcoholic Beverages Amid Trade Deficit

Kyrgyzstan's trade in non-alcoholic beverages, including soft drinks and mineral waters, revealed a significant import surplus in the first quarter of 2026. Total foreign trade turnover reached 2.073 billion soms ($23.71 million) between January and March. However, imports dominated the trade flow, totaling 1.905 billion soms ($21.79 million), while exports amounted to only 167.2 million soms ($1.91 million).

The largest share of imports by value came from carbonated water with added sugar, which accounted for 1.852 billion soms ($21.2 million) in purchases. Kyrgyzstan imported over 44.3 million liters of these beverages during the period. Kazakhstan was the leading supplier, providing 1.454 billion soms ($16.7 million) worth of drinks. Russia followed with 283.2 million soms ($3.2 million), and South Korea supplied 47.8 million soms ($550,000).

Kyrgyzstan's export of its own carbonated drinks saw a decrease, reaching 154.9 million soms ($1.78 million) for 4.14 million liters. The primary export market was Kazakhstan, which purchased 151.7 million soms ($1.74 million) worth of Kyrgyz beverages. Tajikistan and Russia were minor export destinations.

In the mineral water category without added sugar, imports dropped sharply by nearly three times, totaling 53.3 million soms ($613,000) for 1.4 million liters. Georgia led the import list for mineral water at 28.8 million soms ($331,000), followed by Russia and Italy. Kyrgyzstan exported 544,500 liters of mineral water, valued at 12.3 million soms ($141,000), almost entirely to Kazakhstan.