KTZ recommends accelerating grain shipments in May–June

The national railway company "Kazakhstan Temir Zholy" (KTZ) has appealed to market participants to intensify grain shipments during May and June. This recommendation is driven by the urgent need to free up grain storage facilities in preparation for the upcoming 2025 harvest. The plan includes fumigation and other preparatory measures to ensure effective grain intake for the new season.

Since the beginning of 2025, rail transportation of grain has shown confident growth. According to KTZ, from January to April, grain volumes reached 4.7 million tons, which is 54% higher compared to the same period in 2024. Of this volume, 3.7 million tons were exported, showing a 60% increase.

The most dynamic growth was observed in exports to Central Asian countries: shipments to Uzbekistan rose by 18%, to Tajikistan by 45%, while exports to Turkmenistan doubled, and to Kyrgyzstan quadrupled. Significant increases were also seen in shipments to the Baltic states (8-fold growth) and Iran (10-fold growth), primarily via the Caspian ports of Aktau and Kuryk.

Within the current marketing year (September 2024 – April 2025), KTZ's rail network transported 9.8 million tons of grain — 52% more than during the same period last season. Export volumes amounted to 7.7 million tons, up 58% year-on-year.

Central Asia remains a key destination, accounting for 4 million tons of grain — an increase of 35%. Notable export growth was also recorded to Iran (16-fold), Afghanistan (+34%), Black Sea ports (+28%), and the Baltic region (4-fold).

🔑 Key takeaways:
• 4.7 million tons in 4 months — grain rail transport rose 54% year-on-year.
• Export is booming — shipments to Iran surged 16-fold; Baltic states saw 4x growth; steady increase across Central Asia.
• Elevators must be cleared — KTZ urges accelerated shipments to prepare storage for the 2025 harvest.