Kazakhstan's chocolate market remains heavily dependent on imports: in January–May 2026, foreign supplies accounted for 60% of all resources, and rising prices on imported chocolate remain a key factor in product cost increases, reports inbusiness.kz.
Imports continue to play a crucial role in supplying Kazakhstan's market with chocolate and sugary confectionery. In January–May 2026, imports made up 60% of total resources — nearly the same as a year earlier (60.5%). Of the total 97,500 tons of resources, over 58,500 tons came from abroad.
Despite a 14.1% increase in domestic production to 39,000 tons, its share in total resources remained virtually unchanged at around 40%, indicating the market's ongoing dependence on imports.
According to the Bureau of National Statistics, imports have gradually strengthened their position in the domestic market in recent years: from 50.6% of total resources in 2020 to 61.8% by the end of 2025.
Russia remains the main supplier of chocolate and other cocoa-containing products to Kazakhstan. In January–May 2026, it accounted for 73.6% of all imports of such products. These are processed goods made from imported raw materials, as cocoa beans are not grown in either Russia or Kazakhstan. Thus, competition among producers occurs under conditions of equal dependence on foreign raw materials.
Statistics also show that imports from CIS countries have the greatest impact on chocolate price increases in Kazakhstan. In January–May 2026, the import price index for chocolate stood at 139.9% compared to the same period last year. For products from CIS countries, this figure reached 143.2%, while for imports from other countries it was 93.6%. Price growth from key foreign suppliers remains one of the main drivers of rising chocolate prices in the country.