Kazakhstan is losing its position in the flour market

Grain exports from Kazakhstan continue to grow, however processing remains a weak link. By the end of 2025, countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan purchased more than 6 million tons of Kazakh grain, while many states increased their wheat imports.

Flour exports amounted to 1.9 million tons, which is 3% higher than the 2024 figure (an increase of about 51.6 thousand tons). Wheat shipments to Uzbekistan exceeded 5 million tons, increasing by 1.6 million tons over the year. At the same time, flour exports to traditional markets declined: to Uzbekistan — from 448 thousand to 396 thousand tons, to Tajikistan — from 59.5 thousand to 50.6 thousand tons, and to Afghanistan — from 1.2 million to about 1 million tons.

Growth was observed only in Kyrgyzstan (253 thousand tons) and Turkmenistan (130 thousand tons), which allowed the total flour export volume to remain roughly at last year’s level.

The decline in flour shipments is linked to grain being processed abroad. Statistics from Uzbekistan show that imports of grain and grain processing products increased by more than 15%, while exports grew by more than 40%, with flour accounting for the largest share.

According to experts, if current trends continue, Uzbekistan may overtake Kazakhstan. An example of this strategy is the joint project of the Turkish company Anadolu Efes aimed at deep processing of agricultural products.

For Kazakhstan, this is a clear signal: without investments in grain processing, the country risks losing its position in the global market and income from value-added production.