BAKU, Azerbaijan, Feb. 26
By Klavdiya Romakayeva - Trend:
Supplies of apples from Kyrgyzstan to Uzbekistan in 2020 increased 45 times, from 121 tons (47 cents per kilogram) to 5,574 tons (0.29 cents per kilogram), Trend reports referring to State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan.
According to the committee, exports of Uzbek apples in 2020 decreased by 61.8 percent, while the import of apples from other countries to Uzbekistan increased 8.5 times.
It is noted that Uzbekistan sharply increased imports of apples against the backdrop of a lean season - from 1,042 to 8,876 tons. Moreover, the main volumes of imports (62.8 percent) of fresh apples fell on Kyrgyzstan.
In addition, China increased supplies to Uzbekistan 3.1 times - from 369 tons to 1,166 tons, and Iran 2.7 times - from 373 tons to 1,036 tons. Also, Uzbekistan started buying apples from Ukraine, Armenia, Russia and Turkey.
As for exports, if in 2019 Uzbekistan exported a little more than almost 50,000 tons of apples worth $25 million, then in 2020 the figure dropped to 19,000 tons with an income of $8.7 million.
It is reported that the sharp decline in exports happened largely due to Kazakhstan, which was the main market for Uzbek apples in 2019. In 2020, this country retained its leadership in supplies, but their volume fell by 73 percent - from 41,600 tons to 11,200 tons.
At the same time, Uzbekistan has increased the supply of apples to Russia - from 4,112 to 4,842 tons. Exports to Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan decreased by 40 percent and 21.5 percent, respectively.
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