BISHKEK: Kyrgyzstan has witnessed a substantial increase in its exports of copper ores and concentrates in the first seven months of 2024, marking a significant growth compared to the previous year.

According to Trend News Agency, the country exported 8,935 tons of copper ores and concentrates from January through July 2024. This figure represents a 43.3 percent increase from the 6,234 tons exported during the same period in 2023. The total export value of these materials also rose to $11.824 million, up 8.2 percent from $10.927 million in the previous year.

The data from Kyrgyzstan’s State Statistical Committee revealed that Uzbekistan and China were the primary recipients of these exports. Out of the total, 4,525 tons of ore valued at $8.073 million were sent to Uzbekistan, while 4,410 tons worth $3.750 million were exported to China. Notably, Kyrgyzstan had only exported copper ores and concentrates to China during the corresponding period last year.

The report also highlighted changes in Kyrgyzstan’s o
verall foreign trade turnover, which reached $8.8 billion, marking a 4.7 percent year-on-year growth. Despite a 3.7 percent decrease in exports, which totaled $1.6 billion, imports saw a 6.7 percent increase, reaching $7.217 billion.