Journalists from 24.kg conducted an analysis of prices for building materials in Kyrgyzstan, determining which factors influence their formation. The main factors include seasonal fluctuations, import volumes, and the development of local production. These aspects create a new dynamic in the construction market.
Sharp rise: which materials have increased the most in price
Seasonality in Kyrgyzstan significantly affects prices, which can vary throughout the year by 8–10 percent. Over the past 4-5 years, prices have increased by 100 percent in some categories. The most significant price increases have been observed in dry building mixes, such as plasters, putties, gypsum solutions, paints, and primers.
However, finishing materials such as doors, windows, linoleum, and laminate flooring have not seen as sharp an increase in price. The average price increase for cement and other building materials has been 20-30 percent, with increases in the economy segment ranging from 10 to 20 percent, and in the premium segment from 30 to 40 percent.
As for rebar and cement, their prices have risen by 40-50 percent in recent years. The price depends on the origin of the products—whether they are imported (mainly from Russia) or locally produced. Nevertheless, the overall trend of rising prices remains.
The most noticeable increase has been recorded in imported dry mixes coming from Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and other countries, where prices have risen by 70-100 percent or more.
At the same time, local producers of building mixes in Kyrgyzstan are actively developing, having also raised their prices, but to a lesser extent, and they demonstrate a good price-to-quality ratio.
In some regions, local mixes are increasingly being used, which can now compete in quality in both the economy and premium segments. In the future, they may displace more expensive imported options, including Kazakh mixes, which, although of high quality due to European additives, have significantly increased in price due to rising raw material costs.
Where local producers are starting to compete with foreign ones
The construction market in Kyrgyzstan is gradually reducing its dependence on imports, as local producers are mastering the production of doors, window blocks, profiles, and various components.
However, the focus on high quality continues to maintain dependence on supplies from Russia, especially in the field of engineering communications, such as sewage and water pipes and fittings. Russian products are still considered more reliable, although they have increased in price by 50-60 percent.
Local companies offer a wide range of doors: wooden, MDF, veneered, and others. However, it is currently not possible to fully meet market demand through domestic production, so dependence on imports remains.
Reasons why pipes and laminate continue to be imported
Kyrgyzstan lacks its own production of laminate and engineered wood.
However, ceramic tiles, including products from Russia and Belarus, occupy a significant share of the market and are known for their high quality. In some cases, imported tiles, despite additional costs for logistics and customs clearance, turn out to be more affordable than local ones, thanks to economies of scale and flexible pricing policies.
As for engineering systems, local pipes and fittings often fall short in quality compared to imported counterparts. Russian brands still hold leading positions in this market, despite price increases.
Competition between China and local production in the plumbing segment
The segment of cables, fiber optics, and related equipment remains one of the most dependent on imports. Major supplies come from Russia as well as from China. Products from China offer a good price-to-quality ratio. At the same time, key items such as electrical equipment, pumping stations, and technical systems are mainly imported from Russia.
In the past 3-5 years, positive changes have occurred in the market.
Previously, plumbing, bathroom furniture, sinks, and sanitary appliances were almost entirely imported, but now local producers are actively developing and successfully competing with foreign products in terms of price and quality, and in some segments are already reaching premium class levels.
The impact of ruble fluctuations and logistics on prices
Changes in the ruble exchange rate have a limited impact on prices for building materials in Kyrgyzstan. Its fluctuations are minor, and changes of a few kopecks do not lead to significant consequences.
The prices are more significantly affected by rising logistics costs, tax burdens, increased VAT from suppliers, rising transportation costs, and wage growth. These factors collectively shape the final cost of products.
How to save 30 percent and avoid shortages
In the construction industry, there is a concept of the "dead season"—January, February, and early March. During this time, producers and importers hold sales and promotions, offering remnants of old collections of doors, ceramics, and other finishing materials at discounts of up to 20-30 percent.
This is the most favorable period for purchasing building mixes, components, and basic materials. At the same time, producers do not incur losses, as promotions are aimed at maintaining turnover and clearing warehouses.
In peak construction seasons, especially during the implementation of large infrastructure projects, there may be shortages of cement and rebar in the market, leading to price increases of 20-30 percent.
Therefore, private builders are advised to purchase cement, rebar, and bricks in advance, ensuring proper storage conditions.
Finishing materials such as doors, wallpaper, and tiles should not be purchased in advance due to the risk of damage and obsolescence. Roofing materials and profiled sheets, mainly supplied from China, are usually available in sufficient quantities on the market but are also not intended for long-term storage.
Overall, over the past 4-5 years, the market for building materials in Kyrgyzstan has undergone significant changes. The largest price increases have been observed in imported dry mixes, while local producers have managed to keep their prices at more acceptable levels. Gradually, the market is moving towards local production, reducing dependence on imports and creating a more sustainable pricing model.
