KTZ: Actual Grain Exports May Reach 2.2 Million Tons Instead of Planned 4.3 Million

 Kazakhstan's KTZ - Cargo Transportation company initially set a grain transport plan of 4.3 million tons for September and October, with 3.6 million tons intended for export. However, the actual grain export volume is now expected to be around 2.2 million tons. The company cites low loading rates at grain elevators and restrictions linked to exports to China as primary reasons for the shortfall.

 KTZ attributes the plan shortfall to the deteriorating condition of loading resources at grain elevators and reception points, inadequate rail access, and a lack of locomotives for a significant number of elevators. Current average loading capacity across the country is 600–650 cars per day, equating to 1–1.2 million tons per month. KTZ plans to increase the transport volume to over 2 million tons in November, with 1.7 million tons for export.

 Additional challenges are linked to exports to China. Extended unloading and sample analysis procedures, as well as Chinese customs services operating only during the daytime, have reduced the monthly grain export capacity to China to around 150,000 tons. In early September, China ceased accepting grain into its bonded zones, leading to the return of over 360 train cars.

 A buildup of container trains on Kazakhstan’s side of the border has also become an issue. Due to restrictions on container traffic at the Altynkol and Dostyk crossings, coupled with delays from customs procedures and cargo analysis, infrastructure congestion is growing. This congestion impacts other routes and forces KTZ to regulate container grain shipments to ensure the smooth flow of both passenger and cargo trains, as well as ongoing construction and repair work along main railway lines.