Kyrgyzstan imposes temporary ban on apple imports until February 2027

Prime Minister Adylbek Kassymaliiev signed a decree on a temporary ban on apple imports. The measure is intended to support domestic apple-growing farms and create conditions for the timely sale of apples harvested in 2026.

The area of productive apple orchards in the republic stands at 26,324 hectares. According to forecasts for 2026, the harvest is expected to reach 179,393 tonnes. The government noted that timely realization of the harvest will allow farmers to cover production costs, maintain the orchards, and prepare for the next agricultural season.

Import data show sharp growth in purchases: from January to August 2026, the country imported 6,438.9 tonnes of apples — 2.18 times more than for the entire 2025 year. The main suppliers are Poland (3,554.1 tonnes), China (1,696.8 tonnes), and Uzbekistan (859.7 tonnes). Meanwhile, domestic apple exports for the same period fell by 13.3% — to 10,779.52 tonnes, which is 1,658.11 tonnes less compared to the same period in 2025.

A decline in exports and an increase in local produce during the harvest period could create additional difficulties for domestic producers in selling apples.

Under the decree, the temporary ban on apple imports will remain in effect until February 1, 2027. The measure is designed to create conditions for the realization of the domestic 2026 harvest during the autumn-winter period, including in January 2027, to protect the interests of local fruit-growing farms, and to reduce the risk of unsold product accumulation.