Food Export Growth of 30%: Why Do Queues Persist Domestically Despite Records Abroad?
Exports of food products from Turkmenistan increased by 30% in 2025. This was reported by the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan, as cited by VT Business Turkmenistan. According to official data, more than 263 thousand tons of products were exported from the country during the reporting period. The authorities emphasize that Turkmenistan today holds a leading position in the region regarding the export of greenhouse tomatoes. In 2025, supplies of fresh tomatoes exceeded 181 thousand tons, which is 21% more compared to 2024. In addition to tomatoes, growth is noted in other sectors as well. Exports of vegetables and fresh fruits increased by 5%, packaged food products by 3%, confectionery products by 123%, and non-alcoholic beverages by 282.6%. Additionally, about 6 thousand tons of table chicken eggs and approximately 26 thousand tons of food grain crops were exported during the year.
The State Customs Service stated that food products undergo priority processing at border checkpoints, which allows for “prompt and uninterrupted delivery of products to end consumers.” Furthermore, the department regularly holds meetings with private producers, provides legal support, and informs businesses about innovations in the sphere of foreign economic activity.
Exports are Growing, but What About the Domestic Market?
Despite optimistic reports, official statistics raise serious questions within the country. Against the background of the declared export growth, the population continues to face supply disruptions and restrictions on the purchase of certain goods. According to independent sources, queues for basic products persist in a number of regions, and market prices remain high for a significant portion of the population. At the same time, state media do not publish data on the real income level of citizens and their purchasing power.
Meanwhile, the popularly elected president of Turkmenistan and leader of the “Democratic Choice of Turkmenistan” People’s Movement, Murad Kurbanov, criticized the official reports of record growth in food exports. According to him, the problem lies not in the fact of export itself, but in the fact that priority is given to foreign contracts while the domestic market remains vulnerable.
“If everything is well in the country, why do people continue to face shortages and high prices? Why, with record volumes of grain and vegetable exports, does the population not feel an improvement in their standard of living?” Kurbanov stated. He noted that Turkmenistan’s economic model remains oriented toward reporting figures rather than a real increase in the well-being of citizens.
Kurbanov also emphasized that there is a lack of transparency in the distribution of export revenue in the country. The public does not have access to information on how income from foreign food supplies is used.
“There is no independent parliament in Turkmenistan to control the budget. There is no free press that could ask questions. There is no public control over where the funds from exports go. As a result, the state reports growth, while the population lives in austerity mode,” he noted. According to the opposition, a significant portion of the profit is concentrated within a narrow circle of individuals associated with state structures and large agro-holdings.
Economy of Indicators or Economy for the People?
Official bodies emphasize the efficiency of the customs service and interaction with private producers. However, independent experts point out that access to export markets is mainly held by large farms, while small farmers face bureaucratic barriers and administrative pressure.
Kurbanov stated that Turkmenistan needs a transition to an economic model primarily oriented toward internal development: ensuring food security within the country, transparency of export contracts, support for independent farmers, price control for socially significant goods, and open publication of data on the distribution of budget funds.
“Export in itself is not an achievement if citizens do not feel an improvement in their lives. The state must first of all provide for its people, and only then demonstrate successes on the international arena,” he emphasized.
The 30% growth in food exports is a serious indicator in the official statistics of 2025. However, without transparency, accountability, and real social changes, these figures remain merely an element of state reporting.
The main question that sounds louder today is: will the growth of exports lead to an increase in the well-being of citizens, or will Turkmenistan continue to demonstrate economic records on paper while social problems persist within the country?
