The figure underlines how Central Asia is increasingly emerging as a more interconnected regional market after years of relatively limited internal trade links following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Kazakhstan remains the largest participant in regional trade, accounting for 54% of all intraregional exports, valued at $6.6 billion.

The country’s key export commodities to the region include grain products (18%), ferrous metals (13%), crude oil and petroleum products (8%), sunflower oil (7%), and beverages (3%).

The primary destination for these exports is Uzbekistan, while Kyrgyzstan recorded the fastest growth in imports from Kazakhstan, with volumes nearly tripling to $1.7 billion.

Uzbekistan ranks second, accounting for 26% of regional exports, worth $3.2 billion.

The largest increase in Uzbek exports was recorded in trade with Kazakhstan, where shipments grew 2.1 times. Uzbekistan’s main export products include motor vehicles and auto parts (14%), fruit and vegetables (11%), plastic products (5%), fertilizers (4%), and clothing (3%).

Between them, the two largest Central Asian economies represent nearly $10 billion of exports to their neighbours, representing almost 80% of regional trade. Turkmenistan’s share of exports – primarily natural gas – rose to 11%, while Kyrgyzstan’s $0.9 billion of exports (half of which was unprocessed precious metals and coal) represented 7%.

Tajikistan was the smallest contributor, accounting for just 3% of intraregional exports – principally zinc, lead and copper.

According to EDB analysts, the rapid expansion of trade has been driven by strengthening bilateral economic cooperation among Central Asian states and efforts to simplify trade procedures.

The bank said the pace of growth demonstrates that Central Asia is gradually emerging as an increasingly integrated regional market with strengthening internal economic ties. That said, analysts stressed that the current level of trade still represents only a fraction of the region’s broader economic potential.

Further reductions in trade barriers, improved transport connectivity, and deeper industrial cooperation could significantly accelerate intraregional trade turnover, the report said. EDB analysts estimate that trade between Central Asian countries could increase by an additional $4 billion by 2029.