Kazakhstan’s flower market is going through a period of adjustment. Imports of cut flowers and buds have declined over the past year, reflecting both changing trade dynamics and the steady growth of domestic production. While several exporting countries are competing for market share, the role of the Netherlands remains especially significant — not only as a supplier, but as a global trendsetter in the floral industry.
A shifting import landscape
According to Kazakhstan’s Bureau of National Statistics, flower imports fell by more than a tenth compared to the previous year. In value terms, foreign suppliers earned notably less than before, indicating both reduced volumes and softer prices.
Ecuador continues to be the largest supplier of flowers to Kazakhstan, though its shipments declined considerably. This reduction weakened its dominant position in the market.
Meanwhile, China rapidly expanded its presence, overtaking the Netherlands in volume terms. Chinese suppliers significantly increased deliveries, largely driven by lower prices. The strategy allowed China to capture a much larger share of imports, even though the overall value of its shipments decreased.
Other important exporters include Netherlands, Colombia, and Kenya.
The Netherlands: quality over volume
Although the Netherlands no longer ranks second by volume in Kazakhstan’s import structure, its importance should not be underestimated. The country remains one of the world’s most influential flower exporters, known for its advanced greenhouse technologies, logistics expertise, and global auction system centered around Royal FloraHolland.
Beeld: © LVVN Astana / Kazakh flower growing company in Atyrau area of Kazakhstan
Dutch flowers are often associated with consistency, premium quality, and wide assortment. In Kazakhstan, chrysanthemums are sourced mainly from the Netherlands, highlighting the country’s specialization in certain varieties. Even in a more price-sensitive environment shaped by aggressive competition, Dutch producers continue to rely on reputation, innovation, and reliability rather than price dumping.
The Netherlands has long positioned itself as a global hub for the flower trade, re-exporting blooms from Africa and Latin America alongside domestically grown products. This diversified supply chain gives Dutch exporters resilience and flexibility, even when individual markets fluctuate.
Roses remain on top
At the same time, Kazakhstan is gradually strengthening its own floriculture sector. Domestic flower production increased last year, continuing a recovery that began recently after several years of decline.
Beeld: © LVVN Astana
A key turning point came when greenhouse cultivation expanded on an industrial scale in one of the regions. Today, the vast majority of Kazakhstan’s flower harvest comes from greenhouse production, marking a structural transformation of the industry.
Almaty Region has emerged as the country’s leading floriculture center, showing remarkable growth. In contrast, several northern regions have significantly reduced output, and in some areas flower production has nearly disappeared.
Domestic production on the rise
Beeld: © LVVN Astana / Greenhouse in Atyrau region of Kazakhstan
At the same time, Kazakhstan is gradually strengthening its own floriculture sector. Domestic flower production increased last year, continuing a recovery that began recently after several years of decline.
A key turning point came when greenhouse cultivation expanded on an industrial scale in one of the regions. Today, the vast majority of Kazakhstan’s flower harvest comes from greenhouse production, marking a structural transformation of the industry.
Almaty Region has emerged as the country’s leading floriculture center, showing remarkable growth. In contrast, several northern regions have significantly reduced output, and in some areas flower production has nearly disappeared.
Regional price dynamics
Interestingly, flower prices have risen fastest in northern parts of Kazakhstan.
Pavlodar Region recorded one of the highest increases in consumer prices for plants and flowers. Similar trends were observed in North Kazakhstan Region, Atyrau Region, and West Kazakhstan Region.
In contrast, southern regions and major cities experienced much more moderate price growth. Nationwide, the overall price increase in the flower sector remained relatively contained by the end of the year.
A market in transition
Kazakhstan’s flower market is clearly in transition. Imports are declining, domestic production is strengthening, and competition among exporters is intensifying.
Within this evolving landscape, the Netherlands continues to play a distinctive role.
Beeld: © LVVN Astana / Locally grown tulips from Dutch bulbs (Greenhouse in Atyrau, Kazakhstan)
Even as lower-cost suppliers gain ground, Dutch flowers remain synonymous with quality and innovation. For Kazakhstan’s florists and consumers, the Dutch connection still represents a benchmark — not merely in trade volume, but in standards that shape the global floral industry.
Netherlands day at Grow EXPO-2026
Grow Expo Astana 2026 — the International Exhibition of Greenhouse Equipment and Technologies for Plant Cultivation in Kazakhstan and Central Asia will take place from April 8 to 10, 2026, at the EXPO International Exhibition Center in Astana. Following its successful debut last year, the exhibition received strong recognition from the professional community and secured its position as a key industry platform for the region. In 2026, Grow Expo Astana will be held simultaneously with the 13th International Exhibition of Floriculture and Green Industry Flora Expo Astana. This combined format will increase the inflow of target audiences from related industries and strengthen business connections.
Beeld: © GrowEXPO Astana / Grow EXPO exhibition in Astana, Kazakhstan in 2025
The Netherlands Pavilion will bring together companies specializing in greenhouse technologies, climate control, automation, and sustainable solutions for industrial crop production.
The program will also include the III Netherlands Day Forum, where Dutch companies will present practical solutions for greenhouse and crop production businesses — from cultivation technologies and climate control to automation. Co-organizers are the Embassy of the Netherlands in the Republic of Kazakhstan and Dutch Greenhouse Delta.