Significant differences have emerged in trade statistics reported by Kyrgyzstan and China, particularly concerning the volume of goods exchanged between the two countries. During a press conference in Bishkek, Azamat Jumabekov, a representative of Kyrgyzstan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, explained that the discrepancies arise due to the transit nature of many goods entering Kyrgyzstan from China.
Jumabekov noted that a considerable portion of goods shipped from China to Kyrgyzstan are not intended for domestic consumption but are instead destined for other countries. However, Chinese authorities recorded these goods as exports to Kyrgyzstan, leading to inflated trade figures.
For example, the National Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan reported that the country imported $5.4bn worth of goods from China in 2023. In contrast, Chinese Customs reported a significantly higher figure of $19.7bn. This discrepancy underscores the impact of goods registered for Kyrgyzstan but intended for further transit.
In 1H24, Kyrgyzstan's data showed imports from China totalling $3.1bn, a 42.5% increase compared to the same period in 2023. Meanwhile, Chinese statistics indicated that exports to Kyrgyzstan amounted to $9.4bn, with imports from Kyrgyzstan to China recorded at $95.5mn.
The discrepancies in Kyrgyzstan-China trade statistics are part of a broader trend in China's trade with Central Asia. According to Chinese Customs data, trade turnover with Central Asian countries increased by 11.3% in 1H24 compared to the same period in 2023, reaching $44.32bn.
Trade with Kazakhstan saw the highest increase, rising 19.4% to $21.7bn. Trade with Uzbekistan also grew, reaching $6.25bn, a 2.5% increase from the previous year. However, trade with Tajikistan and Turkmenistan decreased by 14.2% and 4.9%, respectively, with Turkmenistan's trade totalling $5.28bn.
In terms of exports, China's shipments to Central Asia increased by 14.6% to $30.21bn, while imports from Central Asia grew by 4.8% to $14.11bn. Turkmenistan stands out as the only Central Asian country with a positive trade balance with China, exporting $4.82bn worth of goods, primarily natural gas, while importing $460.2mn.
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