In January 2025 Kyrgyz cement production surged by 20.4 per cent compared to the same month in 2024, reaching 117,900t, as reported by the National Statistical Committee. This significant increase follows a 10.9 per cent rise in production during the 11M23, culminating in an output of 2.848Mt.
The upward trend in domestic production can be attributed to strategic government interventions aimed at protecting and promoting the local cement industry. Between January and May 2024, Kyrgyzstan experienced a 76 per cent YoY increase in cement imports, totalling 125,737t, primarily from Iran, Kazakhstan, China and Uzbekistan. In response, the government imposed a six-month ban on road imports of various cement types, including Portland, alumina and slag cements, effective from 1 October 2024. This measure aimed to curb the influx of foreign cement and support domestic producers.
However, in December 2024 the government lifted the import ban, allowing the resumption of cement imports. Concurrently, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce initiated an anti-dumping investigation into cement imports, focussing on supplies from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. This action was prompted by concerns over significant price undercutting, with imports from these countries increasing substantially—Kazakhstan exporting 269,700t and Uzbekistan 124,000t between January and September 2024.
These developments underscore the Kyrgyz government's commitment to fostering a robust domestic cement industry while balancing the challenges posed by international trade dynamics.
