Imported Chocolate, Cocoa and Optics Have Risen Sharply in Price in Kazakhstan

According to the Bureau of National Statistics, certain imported goods have become significantly more expensive in Kazakhstan over the past year — from chocolate and cocoa to optical devices, Orda.kz reports.

In March 2026, import prices overall rose 3.5% year-on-year. In some categories, however, the growth was far higher.

Sweets stood out the most. Cocoa and cocoa-based products rose 45.6% in price, while chocolate and other cocoa products went up 47%. Supplies from EAEU countries saw even steeper increases: cocoa up 50.7%, chocolate up 50.9%.

Optical, measuring and control devices from the EAEU also jumped sharply — by 37.5%. This category covers equipment used in medicine, industry, laboratories and other fields.

Other imported goods that rose in price:

• Fish and seafood — up 14.4%
• Margarine — up 14.4%
• Apples, pears and quince — up 11.7%
• Confectionery without cocoa — up 10.8%
• Paints, varnishes and putties from the EAEU — up 28.5%
• Knitwear from the EAEU — up 29.1%
• Air and vacuum pumps from the EAEU — up 33%

Overall, import prices rose over the year while export prices fell 1.7% — meaning Kazakhstan is paying more on average for foreign goods while getting less for some of its own.

Original author: Alexander Zhdanov

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