04.11.2026, 00:06
Kazakhstan Increases New-Crop Grain Exports to 2.3 Million Tonnes
Kazakh grain exports to China increased 2.6-fold, while shipments to Afghanistan rose 1.9-fold
Kazakhstan continues to increase shipments of newly harvested grain to international markets. According to Kazakhstan Temir Zholy National Company JSC, grain exports totaled 2 million 262 thousand tonnes in September–October 2026, representing a 2% increase compared with the same period of the previous season, when 2 million 219 thousand tonnes were shipped abroad.
Export volumes have increased both in traditional markets and along certain new routes. Shipments to traditional export markets rose by 1.2%, reaching 1.43 million tonnes.
In particular, grain exports to Uzbekistan increased by 1.3% to 1 million 63 thousand tonnes. Shipments to Tajikistan rose by 19%, reaching 351 thousand tonnes.
More substantial growth was recorded in shipments to China and Afghanistan. During the reporting period, grain exports to the People's Republic of China increased 2.6-fold, from 145 thousand to 373 thousand tonnes. Shipments to Afghanistan grew 1.9-fold, from 104 thousand to 200 thousand tonnes.
At the same time, Kazakhstan's wheat exports continue to demonstrate positive growth. According to the State Revenue Committee, 6.1 million tonnes of wheat were exported to international markets in January–September 2026. This represents a 15% increase compared with the same period in 2025, when exports amounted to 5.3 million tonnes.
Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Afghanistan remain the main importers of Kazakh wheat. Over the nine-month period, shipments to Uzbekistan increased by 49%, reaching 3.8 million tonnes. Exports to Tajikistan rose by 13.6% to 1 million tonnes.
Among these destinations, the most significant increase was recorded in Afghanistan, which imported 663 thousand tonnes of wheat. Compared with the corresponding period of the previous year, shipments increased 3.4-fold.
Alongside growing shipments to its main markets, Kazakhstan is expanding the geographical reach of its wheat exports. In particular, 23.3 thousand tonnes were shipped to Tunisia and 6 thousand tonnes to France. A substantial increase was also recorded in exports to Iran, where shipments reached 67 thousand tonnes.
The increase in shipments of newly harvested grain and the growth in wheat exports indicate continued demand for Kazakh products in foreign markets and the strengthening of their position in international trade.
