"We’ve been hearing about Southeast Asia and Europe… but what about Central Asia? Is it even worth entering the market?"

If you’ve asked this, you’re not alone.

Most traders are busy chasing big names like the US, Germany, or ASEAN markets.
But behind the scenes, Central Asia is quietly buying, and in some cases, buying big.

📌 Let’s break down what’s really going on and what products are flying off the shelves in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and their neighbours.

Why Central Asia? Here's What You’re Missing

Central Asia sits at the heart of the Eurasian continent.
It’s the crossroads of East-West trade, and it’s more connected than you might think.

While it's not as flashy as Europe or the US, this region has something even better:
steady growth, rising demand, and less saturated competition.

What Are Central Asian Countries Importing from the World?

Here’s a look at five Central Asian countries imports country from January to June 20th 2025.

🔹 Kazakhstan

🔹 Kyrgyzstan

🔹 Uzbekistan

🔹 Tajikistan

🔹 Turkmenistan

👉 Across the board, we’re seeing a strong demand for following products:

1. Machinery & Electrical Equipment

• HS Codes: 84 (Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery), 85 (Electrical machinery, telecom equipment)
• Examples: Industrial machinery, computers, smartphones, power generators.

2. Vehicles & Automotive Parts

• HS Codes: 8703 (Passenger vehicles), 8708 (Auto parts)
• Examples: Cars, trucks, engines, spare parts (especially from Europe, China, and Russia).

3. Pharmaceuticals & Medical Products

• HS Code: 30 (Medicinal products)
• Examples: Medicines, vaccines, medical equipment.

4. Petroleum & Refined Fuels

• HS Codes: 2709 (Crude oil), 2710 (Refined petroleum)
• Examples: Some Central Asian countries (like Kyrgyzstan & Tajikistan) import refined oil despite being near oil producers.

5. Iron & Steel Products

• HS Codes: 72 (Iron and steel), 73 (Steel structures)
• Examples: Construction materials, pipes, metal structures.

6. Plastics & Plastic Products

• HS Code: 39 (Plastics)
• Examples: Packaging materials, household goods, industrial plastics.

7. Food Products

• HS Codes: 10 (Cereals), 02 (Meat), 22 (Beverages)
• Examples: Wheat, sugar, dairy products, processed foods.

8. Electronics & Consumer Goods

• HS Codes: 84, 85, 95 (Toys, electronics)
• Examples: TVs, smartphones, home appliances.

🚀 Is It Worth Targeting Central Asia?

Ask yourself:

Are you already trading with nearby regions like Russia or Eastern Europe?

Do your products fall in light manufacturing, automotive, consumer goods, or household items?

Can you ship to landlocked markets or partner with bonded warehouses/logistics parks?

If yes, Central Asia should be on your radar.

The market’s not overcrowded yet, and local buyers are actively sourcing new suppliers.

Tools to Get Started: 5 Sites That Can Help You Break Into Central Asia

Getting leads and market info in Central Asia is different from Western markets.
But these five platforms are a good starting point:

1. Atameken.kz

Kazakhstan’s national chamber of entrepreneurs, which is great for B2B networking and market updates.

2. Tazabek.kg

A business news site in Kyrgyzstan. Find updates on local companies, trade policies, and supply chain insights.

3. Turkmenexport.gov.tm

Official platform promoting Turkmenistan’s exports. Useful for matching buyers and sellers.

4. Yandex.com

Forget Google. Yandex dominates the Russian-speaking internet, including all of Central Asia.
Use it to run ads, do keyword research, and understand local trends.

5. Topease.net

A powerful customs data platform. Check what's being imported/exported across Central Asia, by HS code, company, or product. It helps you to find reputable suppliers from established brands/companies.

Read More at: www.topease.net/en