The General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) has released its trade results for Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan) for 2024.
Zakon.kz reports that according to customs data, the total trade turnover between China and the region amounted to US$94.8 billion, an increase of US$5.4 billion compared to 2023 (US$89.4 billion).
China’s trade distribution across the region in 2024 was as follows:
· Kazakhstan – 46% (US$43.8 billion);
· Kyrgyzstan – 24% (US$22.7 billion);
· Uzbekistan – 14.5% ($13.7 billion);
· Turkmenistan – 11% (US$10.6 billion);
· Tajikistan – 4% (US$3.8 billion).
Trade growth and decline
China’s trade turnover increased with Kazakhstan (+US$2.8 billion), Kyrgyzstan (+US$2.9 billion) and Turkmenistan (+US$57 million)
However, trade volume decreased with Tajikistan (-US$65 million) and Uzbekistan (-US$260 million)
Discrepancies in trade statistics
According to Tajikistan’s Agency for Statistics, the total bilateral trade turnover between Tajikistan and China in 2024 was approximately US$1.956 billion—50% lower than China’s reported figures.
Similar statistical differences exist with other Central Asian nations: Uzbekistan reports a 10% difference with China’s data; Kazakhstan reports a 32% discrepancy; and Kyrgyzstan’s reported trade figures are four times lower than figures reported by China.
In Kyrgyzstan, authorities attribute the difference to the transit cargo accounting system.
Azamat Jumabekov, head of the Transport and Logistics Committee of the Kyrgyz Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says, “All goods shipped from China are declared as exports to Kyrgyzstan. However, a significant portion is re-exported to other countries, causing statistical inconsistencies.”
Tajikistan’s Customs Service under the Government of Tajikistan also cited different accounting methodologies as the reason for discrepancies.
"Former Soviet countries use a methodology approved under regional agreements, while China follows an entirely different system," Tajik customs officials stated.
Additionally, China classifies equipment imported by Chinese construction firms for projects in Tajikistan as exports, whereas Tajikistan does not count these as imports. Since such equipment falls under temporary importation status, it is excluded from official import statistics.
