Export Revenue Reached 2.16 Billion Soms
Kyrgyzstan exported approximately 522,900 tonnes of hard coal between January and May 2026. According to the country’s National Statistical Committee, shipments increased by 52,600 tonnes, or 11.2%, compared with the same period of 2025.
The exported coal was valued at 2.16 billion Kyrgyz soms, equivalent to approximately $24.8 million. Export revenue increased by 14.6% year on year.
Revenue therefore grew slightly faster than physical shipment volumes. This may reflect changes in the distribution of supplies between destination markets, contract prices and the types of coal exported.
Uzbekistan Received More Than 500,000 Tonnes
Uzbekistan remained the largest buyer of Kyrgyz hard coal. Kyrgyzstan supplied the neighbouring country with 500,500 tonnes worth around 2.08 billion soms during the first five months of 2026.
Exports to Uzbekistan increased by 38,700 tonnes, or 8.4%, compared with the previous year. The country accounted for approximately 95.7% of Kyrgyzstan’s total hard coal exports.
Uzbekistan’s share shows that Kyrgyz coal exports remain highly concentrated in a single market. Geographic proximity reduces transport distances, but this concentration also makes suppliers dependent on demand, border procedures and energy policies in the main destination country.
Uzbekistan is increasing its purchases of several energy products from international suppliers. K2Cargo.News previously reported that Uzbekistan’s fuel imports were rising as domestic production declined.
China Increased Purchases 2.5-Fold
Kyrgyzstan exported 20,500 tonnes of hard coal to China, valued at approximately 60 million soms.
The physical volume was 2.5 times higher than in January–May 2025, when China purchased an estimated 8,200 tonnes of Kyrgyz hard coal.
Despite the rapid increase, China remains a much smaller destination than Uzbekistan. It accounted for less than 4% of Kyrgyzstan’s total hard coal exports.
Higher shipments to China could help Kyrgyzstan gradually diversify its export markets. Further growth will depend on transport costs, border-crossing capacity and the competitiveness of Kyrgyz coal compared with supplies from other producers.
The expansion of land routes between China and Central Asia is creating additional opportunities for commodity trade. K2Cargo.News recently reported that China had opened a new railway route to Turkmenistan through the transport networks of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
Hard Coal Imports Fell Sharply
Kyrgyzstan imported approximately 67,700 tonnes of hard coal worth around 270 million soms between January and May 2026.
The physical volume of imports fell by almost 69% compared with the same period of the previous year. Nearly all imported hard coal came from Kazakhstan.
The simultaneous increase in exports and reduction in imports indicate that domestic production is playing a larger role in supplying the national market. However, seasonal demand must be considered when assessing whether this trend will continue, as coal consumption in Kyrgyzstan rises before the winter heating season.
The country also increased its exports of lignite. Shipments rose by 53% to 317,800 tonnes during the five-month period. Uzbekistan and Tajikistan were the main buyers, while deliveries to China increased more than eightfold.
Road Exports Were Previously Restricted
Kyrgyzstan has repeatedly introduced temporary restrictions on exports of hard coal and lignite by road. The measures were intended to prevent domestic shortages and stabilise prices before the heating season.
The restrictions did not represent a complete suspension of international supplies. Some decisions included exemptions for designated border crossings and the state-owned Kyrgyzkomur company.
The figures for the first five months of 2026 show that export flows remained active and continued to increase. Future volumes will depend on production, domestic demand, transport restrictions and purchasing requirements in Uzbekistan and China.
