In January-May, Kyrgyzstan’s coal trade showed growth in export potential and a gradual decline in dependence on imports, data from the National Statistical Committee said.
Exports of hard coal from Kyrgyzstan exceeded 522,938.6 tons in the first five months of 2026, up by 11.2% YoY. Revenue from exports reached 2,164,955.7 billion soms ($24,757.8 million), up by 14.6%.
Uzbekistan remained the largest buyer of Kyrgyz coal. The country imported 500,534.1 tons, up by 8.4%, with the value of supplies reaching 2,089,915.2 billion soms.
China increased its purchases 2.5-fold, importing 20,523.5 tons of Kyrgyz coal worth 65,593.6 million soms.
Shipments were also made to Lithuania (1,725 tons) and Tajikistan (156 tons).
Exports of brown coal (lignite) increased by 53%, to 317,782.5 tons. The value of supplies amounted to 1,578,406.5 billion soms ($18,050.5 million).
The main buyers of Kyrgyz lignite were Uzbekistan (212,854.7 tons) and Tajikistan (65,404.2 tons). Supplies to China grew 8.2-fold, reaching 38,642.8 tons.
Imports of hard coal to Kyrgyzstan decreased by 68.7%, to 67,764.2 tons. Spending on purchases fell to 275,363.8 million soms ($3,149.1 million).
The bulk of imported hard coal (67,470.5 tons) came from Kazakhstan.
Imports of brown coal from Kazakhstan decreased by 24.4%, to 6,546.3 tons.
Purchases of coke and semi-coke also declined by 24.4%, totaling 2,161 tons, while peat imports increased 2.6-fold, to 2,350.1 tons. The main suppliers of peat were Russia and Latvia.