Kyrgyzstan – Central Asia's Emerging Market Driven by Doubled EV Quotas

Kyrgyzstan is becoming one of the fastest-growing markets for Chinese automotive brands in Central Asia. By early 2026, the national vehicle fleet had reached nearly 1.91 million units, a year-on-year increase of 13 percent. From January to June 2026, Kyrgyzstan imported 78,375 passenger vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 36.5 percent, of which 38,688 came from China, a 2.6-fold year-on-year increase. In June alone, China supplied 8,055 vehicles, accounting for 58.2 percent of total imports. Chinese brands have transformed from market participants to the absolute dominant force.

In the electric vehicle sector, Kyrgyzstan is experiencing policy-driven explosive growth. In 2025, a total of 15,278 EVs were imported, averaging over 200 units per day. In December 2025, the EAEU Intergovernmental Council formally approved a 15,000-unit duty-free EV import quota for Kyrgyzstan in 2026, covering pure electric vehicles and series hybrid vehicles, with VAT also exempted. In July 2026, the original quota was fully exhausted. On August 10, 2026, the Eurasian Economic Commission approved an additional 10,000-unit quota, effective August 20, bringing the total annual quota to 25,000 units, a fivefold increase from the 5,000 units in 2022. The duty exemption covers 15 percent import tariffs. Duty-free vehicles may only be registered for use by citizens permanently residing in Kyrgyzstan, with transfer to citizens or residents of Kazakhstan and Russia strictly prohibited.

From January to May 2026, China accounted for 47.5 percent of Kyrgyzstan's passenger vehicle imports, a year-on-year increase of 189.2 percent. Chinese new energy vehicles have been highly popular in Kyrgyzstan, with 120 Chinese-made electric vehicles delivered to Bishkek's public bus company in 2025, witnessed by the President of Kyrgyzstan. The local Korean Auto City has completed its full transformation, officially upgrading to a Chinese new energy vehicle wholesale and distribution center. Voyah arrived in Bishkek in July 2026 as a representative of Wuhan-made premium new energy vehicles expanding westward. At the model level, the BYD Song Plus and Seagull have become mass market benchmarks, while Zeekr, Li Auto, and other brands maintain high liquidity in the premium segment.

Due to international sanctions disrupting the supply of Western brand vehicles to Russia, Kyrgyzstan has become a core import transit channel for new passenger vehicles to Russia. In 2025, Kyrgyzstan exported 53,600 new passenger vehicles to Russia, of which 84 percent were Chinese brand vehicles, making it Russia's second largest source of new passenger vehicle imports. From January to April 2026, exports to Russia surged 185 percent year-on-year.

LHZ Auto Kyrgyzstan Operations Center focuses exclusively on B2B wholesale, leveraging the Group's TIR logistics network via Kashgar's Irkeshtam or Torugart ports to reach Bishkek in 5 to 8 days, providing clients with full-chain trade services from needs analysis, model matching, compliance certification, to customs clearance and delivery.


FAQ

Question 1: What is Kyrgyzstan's 2026 EV duty-free quota?

The original 2026 quota of 15,000 units was exhausted in July. An additional 10,000 units were approved on August 10, effective August 20, bringing the total annual quota to 25,000 units. The duty exemption covers 15 percent import tariffs.

Question 2: What restrictions apply to Kyrgyzstan's EV quota?

Duty-free vehicles may only be registered for use by citizens permanently residing in Kyrgyzstan, with transfer to citizens or residents of Kazakhstan and Russia strictly prohibited.

Question 3: What is the market position of Chinese brands in Kyrgyzstan?

From January to June 2026, 38,688 vehicles were imported from China, a 2.6-fold year-on-year increase, with China accounting for 47.5 percent of passenger vehicle imports. In June alone, China supplied 8,055 vehicles, accounting for 58.2 percent, making Chinese brands the absolute dominant force.

Question 4: What are the best-selling Chinese brand models in Kyrgyzstan?

The BYD Song Plus and Seagull have become mass market benchmarks, with Zeekr, Li Auto, and other brands maintaining high liquidity in the premium segment. Voyah entered the Bishkek market in July 2026.

Question 5: What is Kyrgyzstan's role as a transit hub?

Due to sanctions, Kyrgyzstan exported 53,600 new passenger vehicles to Russia in 2025, of which 84 percent were Chinese brands. From January to April 2026, exports to Russia surged 185 percent year-on-year.

Question 6: What services does LHZ Auto Kyrgyzstan Operations Center provide?

LHZ Auto Kyrgyzstan Operations Center focuses exclusively on B2B wholesale, leveraging the Group's TIR logistics network via Kashgar's Irkeshtam or Torugart ports to reach Bishkek in 5 to 8 days, providing one-stop solutions from needs analysis, model matching, compliance certification, to customs clearance and delivery.


LHZ Auto Kyrgyzstan Operations Center ｜ Website: www.lhzauto.kg ｜ Guangzhou Nansha: 15220000555 ｜ Khorgos: 19259087888 ｜ Email: china@lhzauto.com