Kazakhstan and China to Simplify Oil Exports via Alashankou

On April 25, 2025, a working meeting between representatives of the railway authorities of Kazakhstan and China was held at the border station of Alashankou. The main focus was on measures to increase the volume of transportation of vegetable oils and meal — products that have shown stable export growth from Kazakhstan in recent years.
The event continued the agreements enshrined in point 22 of the protocol record of the 33rd meeting of the joint commissions on the cooperation of border railways between the two countries.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Department of International Cooperation of the Urumqi Railway, the national operator JSC "NC "KTZ", leaders and members of the National Association of Oilseed Processors (NAOP), as well as Chinese cargo recipients.
According to KTZ representatives, the Dostyk–Alashankou border crossing remains a key logistics hub for the export of vegetable oils from Kazakhstan. In 2024, the volume of transportation in this direction reached 183 thousand tons — 10% higher than the previous year. As of April 23, 2025, 71 thousand tons have already been transshipped, which is 30% more than the same period last year. Almost the entire volume (66 thousand tons) was handled through the main terminal located at the station.

Special attention was given to the potential of the new terminal located in the bonded zone. Despite having the necessary infrastructure, its capacities remain underutilized. The reason, according to participants, lies in the difficulties associated with double declaration and repeated inspections of product quality and quantity.

Chairman of NAOP, Yadykar Ibragimov, noted that domestic processing enterprises are ready to triple their supply volumes. In the medium term, it is expected that exports of vegetable oil and meal will grow to 500 thousand tons per year each. However, to implement these plans, existing logistical barriers must be addressed.

To optimize the process, Ibragimov proposed launching a pilot project with the Chinese side for transshipment through the new bonded terminal under a simplified shipment scheme. In particular, it involves forming consignments of 22 tank cars with a single cargo name from one shipper to one consignee under one contract. This should simplify inspection procedures and enhance terminal efficiency.

The Chinese side, represented by the Urumqi Railway, supported the initiative. As a result of the meeting, the parties agreed to launch the pilot project as early as May this year. Following the meeting, a corresponding protocol was signed between JSC "NC "KTZ" and LLC "Urumqi Railway".
The development of export infrastructure in Alashankou could become an important step in strengthening Kazakhstan’s position in the Chinese vegetable oil and meal markets and significantly enhance the competitiveness of domestic producers.

🔑 Key Takeaways:
▫️ Kazakhstan plans to increase the export of vegetable oils and meal to China up to 500 thousand tons per year for each category.
▫️ A pilot project through the new bonded terminal in Alashankou will be launched with simplified cargo handling procedures.
▫️ In 2025, the volume of oil transshipment has already grown by 30% compared to the same period last year.