Kazakhstan Considers Alternative Export Routes Amid Unrest in Iran

Against the backdrop of growing instability in Iran, Kazakhstan has begun evaluating alternative routes for exporting its products. This was announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin during a briefing with journalists in the Senate, as he commented on the potential risks to foreign trade.

According to the minister, if necessary, the country is ready to redirect trade flows through alternative corridors — particularly via Georgia and Chinese ports. He noted that such decisions could complicate logistics, but in the event of long-term challenges, Kazakhstan would seek ways to support businesses and ensure the stability of its exports. However, he emphasized that it is still too early to draw conclusions.

Regarding the potential impact on prices, Zhumangarin explained that most of Kazakhstan’s exported goods are traded on international exchanges, where prices are determined by global markets. Therefore, logistical adjustments are unlikely to directly affect export pricing.

Official statistics show that during the first eight months of the current 2024/25 marketing year, Kazakhstan exported 1.07 million tons of barley to Iran. This figure is 26 times higher than in the same period of the previous season (41,000 tons) and three times more than in the season before that.

Iran remains a key buyer of Kazakh barley, making the stability of this export route strategically important for the country’s agricultural sector. In light of possible logistical constraints, Kazakhstan will need to develop new trade routes to minimize the risk of disruptions and maintain its competitive position in foreign markets.