According to preliminary estimates from the National Statistical Committee, Kyrgyzstan's gross domestic product (GDP) in January-March 2026 amounted to 428.6 billion soms (approximately $4.9 billion), a 10.1% increase compared to the same period last year.
The services sector remains the main driver of the economy, accounting for 50.4% of GDP. The share of industry and construction reached 29.4%, an increase compared to the first quarter of 2025. Agriculture accounts for 3.8% of the economy.
GDP per capita increased from 47,800 soms (approximately $546) to 57,800 soms (approximately $660). The average monthly nominal wage increased to 46,731 soms (approximately $534) from 40,348 soms (approximately $461) a year earlier.
Inflation in the first quarter amounted to 10.1%. The most significant price increases were for services, up 13.9%, and for food and non-alcoholic beverages, up 9.9%.
At the same time, foreign trade showed negative dynamics. Imports fell from $2.94 billion to $2.87 billion, while exports fell from $558.2 million to $482.9 million. This indicates that high GDP growth has not yet been accompanied by a strengthening of the country's foreign trade position.
Despite double-digit growth rates, Kyrgyzstan remains the smallest economy among the three largest Central Asian countries. According to the IMF, Kazakhstan's nominal GDP is approximately $300 billion, Uzbekistan's is $137.5 billion, while Kyrgyzstan's quarterly GDP is equivalent to only approximately $4.9 billion (which corresponds to approximately $19-20 billion in annual terms if comparable growth rates were maintained).
The gap is also noticeable in terms of the population's standard of living. Per capita GDP in Kazakhstan is approximately $15,300, while in Uzbekistan it is $3,600. In Kyrgyzstan, this figure is estimated at approximately $2,400–$2,500 by the end of 2025.
Against the backdrop of double-digit GDP growth, high inflation, declining exports, and the economy's dependence on domestic consumption, construction, and remittances persist. For sustainable development, the country needs accelerated industrial development, expanded export potential, and increased labor productivity.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
June 29, 2026