Kazakhstan’s grain exports significantly outpace last year’s pace

According to the latest estimates of the International Grains Council (IGC), Kazakhstan’s wheat export potential in the current marketing year is expected to reach approximately 10.1 million tonnes. This figure effectively mirrors the previous season’s result, given a total gross harvest of 19.1 million tonnes. However, operational data from the national rail carrier Kazakhstan Temir Zholy indicate a much stronger shipment dynamic, exceeding initial forecasts.

Between September 2025 and January 2026, more than 5.8 million tonnes of grain cargo were shipped to foreign markets by rail, representing a 22% increase compared to the same period last year. Uzbekistan remains the traditional leading importer, having purchased 2.7 million tonnes. At the same time, supplies to distant foreign markets exceeded the 1 million tonne mark, with the bulk of shipments transiting through Russian seaports.

January 2026 proved particularly notable, demonstrating a sharp surge in exports to 761 thousand tonnes, which is 66% higher than in January 2025. This spike in activity is directly linked to the resumption of the state program subsidizing transportation costs for exporters. As a result, 261 thousand tonnes of grain were shipped to distant markets in just one month.