Kyrgyzstan's National Statistical Committee reported that in the first quarter of 2026, the country's imports of hard coal plummeted by 81.4% year-on-year to just 28,908.9 tonnes. Expenditure on purchases fell to 94.4 million soms.

Meanwhile, exports of brown coal (lignite) surged by 67.5% to 166,440.3 tonnes, worth 799.4 million soms. Key buyers included Uzbekistan (124,110.7 tonnes), Tajikistan (31,703.5 tonnes), and China (10,187.7 tonnes).

Hard coal exports edged down 1.2% to 294,048.6 tonnes, but revenue rose 4.7% to 1.24 billion soms. Uzbekistan remained the primary destination, receiving 277,377 tonnes.

The Kyrgyz authorities expect a significant increase in coal shipments to China following the launch of new logistics infrastructure at the Tekelik deposit and the Erkeshtam checkpoint. The project involves $430 million in investment and could boost annual throughput capacity to 10 million tonnes.

Almost all hard coal imports (28,902.4 tonnes) came from Kazakhstan. The sharp decline in imports and growth in exports reflect Kyrgyzstan's strategy to expand domestic coal production and strengthen its presence in foreign markets.

Source: kun.uz