Kyrgyzstan's dairy trade deficit widens despite export push

Kyrgyzstan's dairy sector faces a significant trade deficit, with external trade in dairy products showing a shortfall of $12.77 million in the first half of 2026. This imbalance highlights the country's substantial reliance on imported dairy goods, despite efforts to boost domestic production and exports.

Although Kyrgyz producers notably increased their overseas shipments in June, the overall trade figures reveal a persistent dependency on foreign markets. Total imports of dairy products into the republic significantly outpaced exports, nearly doubling them by a factor of 1.8. This resulted in a total import value of $29.4 million for the period.

The data, compiled by the National Statistical Committee, underscores a high dependence on imported items such as cheeses, milk powders, and various fermented milk products. This situation points to ongoing challenges in meeting domestic demand solely through local production, impacting the nation's trade balance in the agricultural sector.