China-Central Asia trade rises 6.5% to $52.9 bln in first half of 2026
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China’s trade with Central Asia rose 6.5% year-on-year to $52.94 billion in the first half of 2026, according to the PRC’s General Administration of Customs. Growth was driven by Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, which saw increases of 25% and 31% respectively. The expansion occurred even as Kyrgyzstan’s trade with China plummeted by nearly a third, with exports dropping to $75 million from $3.89 billion.
Trade Imbalance
China’s trade surplus with Central Asia stood at roughly 2-to-1, with exports totaling $34.94 billion and imports $18 billion. Uzbekistan’s trade was especially lopsided: Beijing exported $7.65 billion to Tashkent while importing only $1.22 billion. Tajikistan showed a similar pattern, with Chinese exports of $1.91 billion dwarfing imports of $444 million.
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan Growth
Kazakhstan’s bilateral trade with China climbed 25% to $27.2 billion, driven by a surge in imports to $12.22 billion from $7.79 billion a year earlier. Chinese exports to Kazakhstan rose moderately to $14.98 billion. Uzbekistan’s trade jumped 31% to $8.87 billion, with Chinese exports increasing from $5.96 billion to $7.65 billion.
Kyrgyzstan’s Decline
Kyrgyzstan’s trade with China contracted sharply, falling from $14.25 billion in H1 2025 to $9.7 billion in H1 2026. Exports plunged to just $75 million from $3.89 billion a year earlier, while imports edged down to $9.63 billion. Analysts have linked the unexplained swings to Kyrgyzstan’s alleged role as a transit hub for sanctioned goods to Russia, with the export drop possibly reflecting a halt in in-kind payments of gold or other commodities.
What's Next
China’s full-year trade data will be scrutinised for sustained growth or further disruptions in Central Asian commerce. It remains unclear whether Kyrgyzstan’s export plunge signals a crackdown on sanctions evasion or a temporary shift in Russia’s payment methods.
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China-Central Asia trade rises 6.5% to $52.9 bln in first half of 2026
