Kyrgyzstan’s dairy exports totaled $16,633.3 million in the first six months of 2026.

A comparison of the six-month figures with those for January—May 2026 indicates a significant increase in exports in June. Foreign sales rose by $2,738.4 million during the month, the National Statistical Committee said.

Milk and fermented dairy beverages were the main drivers of export growth in June.

Exports of milk and cream reached 6,322.9 tonnes worth $4,409 million in the first half of the year, with shipments increasing by 1,327.9 tonnes in June alone. Kazakhstan was the main buyer, purchasing 4,481.9 tonnes.

Kyrgyzstan exported 5,693.4 tonnes of buttermilk, kefir and yogurt worth $5,031.6 million during the six-month period, including an additional 1,008.4 tonnes in June. Almost the entire volume — 5,354.1 tonnes — went to Kazakhstan.

A total of 1,244.1 tonnes of cheese and cottage cheese worth $4.36 million were exported in the first half of the year. The bulk went to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Exports of powdered and condensed milk amounted to 1,798.3 tonnes worth $1,756.6 million. Kazakhstan was the main destination.

Butter exports remained relatively small at 140.8 tonnes worth $734,700, with only 3.8 tonnes shipped in June. The main markets were Russia and Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan was the largest consumer of Kyrgyz dairy products in the first half of 2026, with purchases reaching $13,600.9 million.

Imports and external dependence increase

Kyrgyzstan spent $29,406 million on dairy imports between January and June 2026. Imports increased by $4,479.2 million in June, confirming the domestic market’s continued high dependence on imported cheese, milk powder and fermented dairy products.

Cheese and cottage cheese accounted for the largest share of imports, totaling 3,039.7 tonnes worth $11,281.1 million, including another 564.7 tonnes purchased in June. The main suppliers were Russia and Belarus.

Imports of buttermilk, kefir and yogurt amounted to 3,289.1 tonnes worth $5,985.8 million. Russia and Kazakhstan were the main suppliers.

Kyrgyzstan imported 2,250.9 tonnes of condensed and powdered milk worth $5,943.6 million. Belarus was the leading supplier.

The country also imported 2,427.2 tonnes of milk and cream worth $4,469.9 million, mainly from Russia.

Imports of whey reached 610 tonnes worth $1,162.8 million, almost all from Russia. Butter imports totaled 106.4 tonnes worth $562,800, with Belarus and Uzbekistan being the main suppliers.

The simultaneous growth in imports and exports in June 2026 led to a further increase in the negative balance of dairy trade. The deficit widened by $1,740.8 million in June alone.

Foreign trade figures for January—June 2026: