December 14 2012, 10:46 Fito-Mag

Kazakhstan increases grape imports

Kazakhstan has been increasing grape imports for the eighth year in a row. According to the official statistics, from July to October 2012, Kazakhstan's imports were 1.6 times higher year-on-year and almost 32% higher compared with total imports over the season 2011/12.

In the current season, the highest imports were registered in September (27,800 tonnes), while the lowest – in July (4,900 tonnes). Aggregate imports (from July to October) totaled almost 72,500 tonnes.

Uzbekistan should be noted as the leader in grape exports to Kazakhstan for the third year in a row. This year, Uzbekistan's share in total imports amounted to 95% (68,300 tonnes). This country is followed by Tajikistan (2% in total imports), China (1.4%), Kyrgyzstan (1.3%) and Turkmenistan (0.8%). Moreover, this year, Kazakhstan's grape imports from Uzbekistan grew 1.8 times year-on-year, while aggregate imports from other countries fell by 39%.