Kyrgyzstan’s banana import volumes have hit an all-time high, driven by growing consumer demand and improved trade logistics. According to a detailed report by FreshPlaza, citing official data from the National Statistical Committee of the Kyrgyz Republic, the country imported 37,100 tonnes of bananas in 2024, valued at $27.2 million. This marks a 30 per cent increase from 2023 (28,500 tonnes, $18.65 million) and nearly doubles the volume imported during the pandemic low of 2020.

Ecuador continues to dominate the Kyrgyz banana supply chain, accounting for 87 per cent of total imports. Smaller shipments also originated from China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkey, and India. However, bananas listed as imports from Russia and Kazakhstan are typically re-exports of Latin American produce, reflecting regional distribution dynamics rather than original sourcing. Notably, banana shipments from China fell dramatically—nearly 29-fold year-on-year in June 2025, pointing to changing trade preferences or supply constraints.

Though Kyrgyzstan does not produce bananas domestically, it has become a small-scale re-exporter. In 2024, banana re-exports—primarily to Uzbekistan—rose to 296 tonnes, compared to just 39 tonnes the previous year, according to FreshPlaza.

Bananas are typically imported green in refrigerated containers and then ripened in ethylene chambers once they arrive in-country. Direct shipments from Ecuador are significantly more cost-effective than those routed through intermediary hubs such as Russia or Kazakhstan, a fact reflected in retail pricing. In Bishkek, retail prices ranged from 150 to 170 Kyrgyz soms ($1.70–1.95) per kilogram in 2024, with variations depending on sourcing route and post-arrival handling.

Several established players, including Fresh Berry and Velarosa Bananas, now lead Kyrgyzstan’s banana value chain. These firms manage everything from international procurement and cold chain logistics to customs clearance and in-market distribution. As demand for bananas continues to grow, local importers are increasingly shifting to direct sourcing contracts, aiming to reduce logistics costs, improve ripening control, and ensure long-term supply stability.

The rise in banana consumption comes amid broader shifts in Kyrgyz food preferences and retail dynamics. With no signs of slowing demand and greater supply chain sophistication, experts cited by FreshPlaza suggest Kyrgyzstan’s banana imports are poised for continued growth—with efficiency, traceability, and ripening infrastructure becoming key competitive differentiators.