Translated with AI
Trade between Central Asia and China is actively growing: the share is 25%, with the potential for further growth at 60%, according to a report from the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB).
The volume of mutual trade in goods between China and the countries of Central Asia amounted to $66.2 billion in 2024, a 2.8-fold increase compared to 2020. Imports of goods from China by Central Asian countries account for 60% of mutual trade turnover.
China's largest trading partners in the region are: Kazakhstan – $30.1 billion (46% of total trade), Uzbekistan – $18 billion (27%), and Turkmenistan – $10.6 billion (16%).
China's importance as a trading partner for Central Asia is rapidly growing. Its share of total trade turnover among Central Asian countries increased from 17.7% to 24.1% between 2020 and 2024 (+6.4 percentage points).
At the same time, the importance of trade with China varies significantly for individual Central Asian countries:
– Turkmenistan – the largest share: 55% of trade turnover is with China;
– Kyrgyzstan – about 35%;
– Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan – in the range of 20–22%.
Mutual trade growth will continue and will be supported by significant untapped trade potential, estimated at $39.3 billion, or 60% of current trade turnover. Of this, $32 billion comes from potential Chinese exports (automotive, electronics, and consumer goods); $7.3 billion comes from Central Asian exports (copper products, gold, and uranium).
