Kazakh Rapeseed Conquers Europe: Estonia Becomes a Key Partner

Kazakhstan is rapidly expanding exports of rapeseed and its processed products to the European Union, opening new sales markets. For the first time in history, Estonia has entered the top three largest buyers of Kazakh rapeseed, having imported 6.9 thousand tons of seeds in the first five months. During the same period, 21 thousand tons were shipped to Latvia and 9.3 thousand tons to Poland.

In addition, Estonia began purchasing rapeseed meal, importing 5 thousand tons in April-May, which indicates a growing and comprehensive demand for Kazakh agricultural products in the region. This surge in demand is largely due to the anticipated decline in rapeseed harvests within EU countries, prompting European processors to seek alternative suppliers.

For Kazakhstan, this has become a strategic opportunity, as confirmed by official statistics: in the first four months of 2025, trade turnover in agricultural products between Kazakhstan and Estonia increased sixfold, mainly due to supplies of rapeseed and rapeseed meal.

The growth in trade is also supported at the political level. During a recent meeting between the Minister of Agriculture of Kazakhstan Aidarbek Saparov and the Estonian Minister of Regional Affairs and Agriculture Hannes Terras, mutual interest in deepening cooperation was confirmed. The parties agreed to actively develop trade in agricultural products, laying the foundation for long-term and stable economic ties between the two countries.

The prospects for cooperation go far beyond oilseed exports. Kazakhstan has expressed strong interest in learning from Estonia’s advanced experience in animal husbandry. Specifically, the focus is on the import of pedigree dairy cattle, implementation of farm automation technologies, and the use of high-yield genetics.

Joint projects are planned for the creation of modern dairy farms and milk processing enterprises, opening a new chapter in the agricultural partnership between Kazakhstan and Estonia.