In 2024, Kyrgyzstan saw a remarkable surge in flower imports, with the first 11 months of the year witnessing the arrival of 29.2 million tons of cut flowers and buds, valued at $11.22 million. This marks a substantial increase compared to 2023, when the country imported 16.25 million tons worth $5.83 million. The boost in flower imports underscores the growing demand for floral products in the Central Asian market.
Kenya’s dominance in the market
Kenya continues to be the leading exporter to Kyrgyzstan, supplying 16.67 million flowers worth $4.97 million in 2024. This marks a notable increase from the 12.16 million flowers valued at $3.5 million in 2023. The East African nation’s floral industry is recognized globally for its high-quality cut flowers, particularly roses, which continue to dominate the global market.
Kenya’s favourable climate and established trade routes with Central Asia have enabled it to maintain a strong position in the market. The country’s well-established floral industry is supported by a robust export infrastructure, ensuring the swift delivery of fresh flowers to international markets.
Other key suppliers in 2024
While Kenya retains its dominant role in supplying flowers to Kyrgyzstan, other countries have also increased their exports in 2024:
- Ecuador experienced the most significant growth, exporting 10.93 million flowers valued at $5.52 million, up from 3.4 million flowers worth $2.03 million in 2023. Ecuador’s flower industry, especially roses, has made significant strides in expanding its presence in international markets.
- The Netherlands, known for its flower industry, exported 818,479 flowers valued at $405,000, showing an increase from 364,193 flowers worth $175,000 in 2023. The country remains a key player in global flower exports.
- China, showing a sharp rise, sent 437,848 flowers worth $187,000, up from just 36,230 flowers valued at $15,000 in 2023. This growth highlights China’s expanding role in the flower export market.
- Colombia also showed modest growth, sending 168,825 flowers valued at $77,000, compared to 142,645 flowers worth $71,000 in 2023.
- Kazakhstan, another Central Asian neighbor, saw a significant rise in exports to Kyrgyzstan, shipping 90,280 flowers valued at $30,000, up from just 11,196 flowers valued at $5,000 in 2023.
Declines and new entrants
Despite the overall growth in flower imports, some countries have seen a decline in their exports to Kyrgyzstan:
Turkey saw a sharp decrease in flower exports, with only 40,000 flowers sent, down from 126,760 flowers in 2023. The total value of these exports also dropped from $25,000 to just $8,000.
Italy experienced a notable decrease in exports, with only 1,870 flowers valued at $1,000, compared to 10,100 flowers worth $5,000 in 2023.
New entrants into the market include Uzbekistan, which shipped 47,705 flowers valued at $24,000, with no recorded imports in 2023, and Belgium, which sent 3,580 flowers worth $3,000, marking its first-time participation in the Kyrgyz market.
Conclusion
The surge in flower imports by Kyrgyzstan in 2024 reflects the growing importance of floral trade in Central Asia. Kenya, as the leading supplier, continues to capitalize on its reputation for producing high-quality flowers, while other countries like Ecuador, China, and Kazakhstan are increasing their shares in the market. Despite some declines from countries like Turkey and Italy, the expansion of floral trade signals a positive outlook for the industry in Kyrgyzstan.
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