From January to May 2026, Kyrgyzstan's foreign coal trade demonstrated increased export potential and a significant reduction in import dependence. This is evidenced by data from the National Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, 24.kg reports.
Over the five months, hard coal exports exceeded 522,900 tons, an increase of 11.2% compared to the same period last year. Revenue from exports increased by 14.6% to 2.16 billion soms (USD 24.8 million).
Uzbekistan remains the largest sales market, receiving over 500,500 tons of coal. China demonstrated the most dynamic growth, increasing purchases by 2.5 times to 20,500 tons. Smaller shipments were also exported to Lithuania and Tajikistan.
Brown coal exports increased by 53%, reaching 317,800 tons. Uzbekistan and Tajikistan became the main buyers, while shipments to China increased by 8.2 times.
At the same time, coal imports decreased by 68.7% to 67.8 thousand tons, almost entirely from Kazakhstan. Purchases of brown coal, coke, and semi-coke also decreased, while peat imports increased by 2.6 times.
Statistics indicate Kyrgyzstan's strengthening position as a regional coal exporter. Increased shipments to China indicate market diversification, while the sharp decline in imports indicates that domestic production is increasingly meeting domestic demand.
If current trends continue, the coal sector is capable of increasing its contribution to the country's export revenues, but further growth will depend on the development of logistics, mining infrastructure, and the stability of external demand.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
July 23, 2026