Kyrgyzstan Emerges as Key Player in Russian Apparel Manufacturing Market

Kyrgyzstan has secured a place among the top five countries-alongside China, Russia, Türkiye, Belarus, and Vietnam-where Russian brands outsource garment production.

The industry experienced a breakthrough in 2022 after the exit of foreign brands from Russia opened new opportunities for Kyrgyz exporters, The Caspian Post reports via Kyrgyz media.

Exports of light industry goods to Russia doubled, while apparel shipments increased fourfold, reaching about $200 million.

Saparbek Asanov, President of the Light Industry Enterprises Association Legprom, stressed that Russia remains a strategic market for Kyrgyzstan. Currently, Kyrgyz apparel is delivered to more than 50 Russian cities, as well as over 17 cities in Kazakhstan, and to Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan.

Diloramkan Duishobaeva, Chair of the Kyrgyz Association of Apparel Manufacturers, said that local producers have successfully replaced Chinese suppliers by offering larger-sized clothing, which is in high demand among Russian consumers. She noted that the market is shifting toward digital platforms and marketplaces, with the association supporting Kyrgyz manufacturers in exhibition participation and partnerships with Russian retailers.

Industry experts point out the adaptability of Kyrgyz enterprises, which align with Russian standards and size grids (40-64), while maintaining competitive prices and ensuring product quality. Kyrgyzstan’s membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) further simplifies logistics and accelerates delivery times.