20.02.2025, 17:02
Kazakhstan Increased Grain Exports by 48%: Which Countries Are the Main Buyers?
5.3 million tons of grain were exported from September to mid-February 2024/2025, a 48.3% increase year-on-year
Since the beginning of the current agricultural season, according to data from JSC "NC KTZ," grain transportation has shown significant growth. From September to February 16 of the 2024/2025 marketing year, 6.7 million tons of grain were transported. Of this volume, 1.4 million tons were distributed within the domestic market, while 5.3 million tons were exported. Compared to the same period last year, export deliveries increased by 48.3%.
Main Export Destinations
Uzbekistan remains the leading importer of Kazakh grain, purchasing 2 million tons during the reporting period, which is 34.9% more than in the previous season. Tajikistan also increased its purchases to 789,000 tons, surpassing last year’s figures by 47%. Shipments to China amounted to 679,000 tons, and Afghanistan received 235,000 tons, showing a 37% growth.
A notable surge in exports was recorded in Iran, where deliveries increased 20-fold to reach 644,000 tons. Meanwhile, exports to Azerbaijan showed an astonishing 79-fold increase, totaling 319,000 tons.
Results of 2024: Steady Growth in Grain Transportation
By the end of 2024, Kazakhstan transported 10.6 million tons of grain. Of this, 2.5 million tons were supplied to the domestic market, while 8.1 million tons were exported. This confirms the strong demand for Kazakh grain in international markets.
Flour Transportation: Rising Export Demand
Along with grain, flour exports are also increasing. In 2024, 3.2 million tons of flour were transported by rail, with 817,000 tons consumed domestically and 2.4 million tons exported. Compared to the previous year, export deliveries grew by 3%.
From January to February 16, 2025, a total of 352,000 tons of flour were transported, with exports accounting for 238,000 tons. Compared to the same period last year, exports rose by 9.6%.
Kazakhstan's primary flour importers remain the Central Asian countries, China, Afghanistan, and other partners.
Outlook and Future Trends
Analyzing the current figures, it is evident that demand for Kazakh grain continues to grow, particularly from strategic partners in Asia and the Middle East. The significant increase in shipments to Iran and Azerbaijan highlights the diversification of export destinations and the strengthening of trade ties. At the same time, the support of logistics infrastructure and railway transportation remains a key factor in ensuring stable growth in grain and flour exports.
Key Takeaways:
🔹 Record Volumes – 5.3 million tons of grain were exported from September to mid-February 2024/2025, a 48.3% increase year-on-year.
🔹 Steady Growth – By the end of 2024, total grain transportation reached 10.6 million tons, with 8.1 million tons going to export markets.
🔹 Rising Demand for Flour – 2.4 million tons of flour were exported in 2024, with a further 9.6% increase in early 2025.
