Kazakhstan Significantly Reduces Imports of Russian Wheat

The import of wheat from Russia to Kazakhstan in January 2025 decreased almost 50 times compared to the same period last year. According to data from Kazakhstan’s customs, the volume of shipments amounted to only 4.3 thousand tons, whereas in January 2024, this figure reached 204 thousand tons.

Restrictive Measures and Their Impact
According to Russian analysts, the sharp decline in imports is linked to the temporary ban on wheat imports, which was in effect in Kazakhstan until the end of 2024. This measure was introduced to protect the domestic market and applied not only to supplies from EAEU countries but also to imports from third countries (except for transit shipments).
However, Kazakhstani analysts hold a different opinion. Despite the fact that Kazakhstan lifted restrictions on the import of Russian grain at the beginning of 2025, there has been no surge in purchases from Kazakhstani traders. According to Yevgeny Karabanov, a representative of the Grain Union of Kazakhstan, the reason for this is pricing policy. Currently, the cost of grain in the domestic market of Kazakhstan is comparable to that in Russia. With transportation costs and the strengthening of the ruble against the tenge, purchasing Russian wheat becomes economically unprofitable.
Another important factor is the quality of Russian grain. The harvest in Russia’s border regions was not of particularly high quality, resembling the situation in Kazakhstan in 2023. Most of the wheat offered for sale is sprouted, making it mainly suitable for animal feed and feed flour production. However, Kazakhstan does not require large quantities of such raw materials, which also limits imports.

Overall Decline in Grain Imports
In addition to wheat, Kazakhstan has significantly reduced imports of other Russian grain crops. Buckwheat and millet imports have dropped 62 times, amounting to only 1.72 tons. The volume of imported oats has fallen 21 times (to 18 tons), barley – 7 times (to 2.3 thousand tons), corn – 12.5 times (to 22 tons), and rice – 1.5 times (to 437 tons).
Against this backdrop, the only exception was rye. In January 2025, its imports from Russia increased 7 times, reaching 2.2 thousand tons.

🔑 Key Takeaways:
🔹 Imports decreased nearly 50 times – in January 2025, Kazakhstan purchased only 4.3 thousand tons of Russian wheat, compared to 204 thousand tons a year earlier.
🔹 The reason is not just the ban – although restrictions were in place in 2024, traders are still reluctant to buy Russian wheat.
🔹 Overall decline in grain imports – in addition to wheat, Kazakhstan has reduced imports of buckwheat, oats, barley, and corn.