The analysis conducted by journalists from 24.kg revealed the current prices for building materials in Kyrgyzstan and the factors influencing their formation. The cost is affected by seasonality, import volumes, and the development of domestic production, which in turn changes the landscape of the construction sector.
Highest growth rates: which materials have risen most significantly
In Kyrgyzstan, the cost of building materials largely depends on the time of year, with fluctuations ranging from 8-10% throughout the year. Over the past 4-5 years, some items have increased in price by as much as 100%. The most noticeable growth is observed in dry building mixtures, such as plasters and putties, as well as paints and primers.
Finishing materials, such as doors, windows, and linoleum, do not show such sharp price increases. Prices for cement and other materials have generally risen by 20-30%, depending on the price segment: in the economy class, the increase was 10-20%, while in the premium segment, it was 30-40%.
In recent years, prices for rebar and cement have increased by about 40-50%. The cost largely depends on the origin of the product—imported or locally produced. Although the price increase is uneven, the overall trend remains upward.
The most significant price jump is observed in imported dry building mixtures supplied from Russia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and other countries. In this category, the price increase has reached 70-100% or more.
At the same time, local production of building mixtures is actively developing in Kyrgyzstan, which, although it has also increased in price, has done so to a lesser extent. They provide a good balance of price and quality.
In some regions, local mixtures are becoming increasingly popular in both the economy and premium segments. Their quality is now comparable to imported counterparts, which could lead to the displacement of more expensive imported options, such as Kazakh mixtures, which have traditionally been known for their high quality due to European additives but have increased in price due to rising raw material costs.
Where local producers are already beginning to compete with foreign ones
Overall, the market for building materials in Kyrgyzstan is gradually reducing its dependence on imports, as local producers begin to manufacture door and window blocks, profiles, and certain types of equipment and components.
However, despite the focus on high quality, dependence on supplies from Russia remains, especially regarding engineering communications, such as pipelines and fittings. Russian products are still considered more reliable, although they have increased in price by 50-60% on average.
Local producers offer a wide range of doors—made of wood, MDF, veneered, and others. However, it is currently not possible to fully meet demand through domestic production, so dependence on imports remains.
Why we still import pipes and laminate
Currently, there is no production of laminate and engineered wood in Kyrgyzstan.
At the same time, ceramic tiles, including products from Russia and Belarus, are sufficiently represented in the market and are of high quality. Sometimes imported tiles are cheaper than local ones, despite logistics and customs costs, due to economies of scale and a more flexible pricing policy.
As for engineering networks, local pipes and fittings sometimes lag behind imported counterparts in quality. Russian brands still hold leading positions in this segment, despite price increases.
Competition of local plumbing production with Chinese goods
The cable, fiber optic, and related equipment sector remains one of the most import-dependent. Major supplies come from Russia and partially from China. Products from China offer a good balance of price and quality; however, key items—electrical equipment, pumping stations, and technical systems—are mainly imported from Russia.
Nevertheless, positive changes have occurred in the market over the past 3-5 years.
Previously, plumbing, bathroom fixtures, and other sanitary appliances were almost entirely imported, but now local companies are ramping up production and successfully competing with foreign products in terms of both price and quality, and in some segments, they are entering the premium class.
The impact of the ruble exchange rate and logistics on prices
Changes in the ruble exchange rate have a limited impact on the cost of building materials in Kyrgyzstan. Its fluctuations are relatively low, and changes of a few kopecks do not affect the overall picture.
More significant impacts on prices come from 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% and avoid shortages
In the construction industry, a "dead season" is traditionally identified—January, February, and early March. During this time, producers and importers hold sales and offer discounts on remaining old collections of doors, ceramics, and other finishing materials in preparation for the arrival of new lines. Discounts during this time can reach 20-30% or more.
This is the best time to purchase building mixtures and basic materials. At the same time, producers do not incur losses—promotions are aimed at maintaining turnover and clearing warehouses.
During peak construction seasons, especially during the implementation of large infrastructure projects, such as micro-hydroelectric plants, mini-hydroelectric plants, and residential complexes, there is often a shortage of cement and rebar in the market, which can lead to price increases of 20-30%.
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, which are mainly supplied from China, are generally 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 highest price growth is observed in imported dry mixtures, while local producers have managed to maintain more moderate prices. Gradually, the market is shifting towards local production, which helps reduce dependence on imports and form a more stable pricing model.
