As reported by the Ministry of Trade and Integration, in 2023, Kazakhstan imported no fewer than 149.8 million flowers worth $61.1 million; 29% more than those valued at $47.3 million in 2022.
The country’s largest suppliers were Ecuador ($37.5 million); the Netherlands ($13.1 million); Kenya ($4.8 million), and Colombia ($3.4 million).
Significantly lower volumes of flower were imported from China ($592.3 thousand), Israel ($467.4 thousand), Uzbekistan ($393.2 thousand), and Russia ($356.7 thousand).
The greatest demand by far, was for roses, the most romantic of blooms, with the import of 112 million pieces worth $40.2 million. Chrysanthemums also proved popular with 15.8 million stems purchased for $7.6 million. Further down the line, were imports of around 3.3 million lilies for $1.5 million; 6 million carnations for $1.2 million, and 116.6 thousand orchids for $210.2 thousand.
Kazakhstan also exports flowers and in 2023, recorded a revenue of $2.7 million, comprising $2.5 million from Russia; $80.8 thousand from Kyrgyzstan; $55.5 thousand from Uzbekistan, and $3.3 thousand from China.
