Kazakhstan Launches Regular Rail Shipments of Oil to China in Flexitanks

 

The national railway company “Kazakhstan Temir Zholy” (KTZ) and “Urumqi Railway” have opened a new chapter in bilateral trade relations by agreeing to launch regular shipments of Kazakh oil to China. The decision, finalized during negotiations on September 10–11 at the Khorgos border station, establishes a reliable logistics corridor for exporting domestic products to one of the world’s largest markets.

This long-term cooperation was made possible thanks to a successful pilot project. On September 2, 2025, the first train carrying vegetable oil departed from East Kazakhstan Region to Jiangsu Province in China. The cargo, packed in modern flexitanks installed inside standard 40-foot containers, covered a distance of 4,700 kilometers in just 12 days. The test run confirmed both the technical readiness and economic viability of the chosen route.

As highlighted by KTZ’s press service, the use of flexitanks—flexible tanks placed inside shipping containers—significantly optimizes the logistics of bulk liquid cargo. This method ensures strict compliance with transportation requirements and preserves the quality of the product throughout the journey.

The project carries strategic importance, creating a solid foundation for strengthening Kazakhstan’s export potential. For domestic oil producers, stable and predictable sales channels are opening, which will help consolidate their positions on the international market.

It is expected that the successful implementation of this agreement will encourage further diversification of exported goods and deepen trade and economic cooperation between Kazakhstan and China, reaffirming the role of railways as a key link in Eurasian trade.