16.04.2025, 11:39
Afghanistan Strengthens Its Role in Kazakhstan’s Agricultural Exports
USD 317.3 million – value of flour exports to Afghanistan, over 60% of total agro-exports

In 2024, trade turnover between Kazakhstan and Afghanistan reached USD 540.5 million, confirming a steady upward trend in bilateral trade. The core of Kazakhstan’s exports to the southern neighbor remains agricultural products, primarily processed wheat.
According to the Trade Policy Development Center QazTrade, Kazakhstan’s exports of wheat and wheat-rye flour totaled USD 317.3 million, securing the leading position of this product category in the export structure. Additionally, USD 42.5 million worth of wheat and USD 19.4 million of sunflower oil were supplied to the Afghan market.
In contrast, imports of Afghan goods into Kazakhstan remained relatively modest at USD 17.2 million, consisting mainly of sweet beverages, steatite, fruits, and aluminum products.
Despite the solid figures already achieved, QazTrade analysts believe Kazakhstan’s export potential to Afghanistan is far from exhausted. They estimate that an additional USD 113.1 million in exports could be realized, creating room for further trade development and deeper economic ties.
Investment cooperation remains limited. In 2024, the total volume of direct investments from Afghanistan into Kazakhstan amounted to just USD 11,000, mirroring the previous year’s level.
It is noteworthy that during the current marketing year (September 2024 – February 2025), Kazakhstan significantly increased grain exports to Afghanistan. According to Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), 248 thousand tons of grain were shipped during this period — a 36% increase compared to the same period last year.
These figures reaffirm Afghanistan’s status as one of Kazakhstan’s key grain buyers in Central and South Asia. Given growing demand and logistical accessibility, Afghanistan continues to be a strategically important trade partner for Kazakhstan’s agro-industrial sector. Future expansion will largely depend on stable transport routes and maintaining high quality standards in exported goods.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
🔹 USD 317.3 million – value of flour exports to Afghanistan, over 60% of total agro-exports
🔹 +36% growth in grain supplies during six months – 248 thousand tons shipped
🔹 USD 113.1 million – unrealized export potential still available