KZ Grain Union Forecasts Decline in Durum Wheat Exports in August

Kazakhstan has significantly strengthened its position in the global market for durum wheat, increasing export supplies by 57% over the first 11 months of the current marketing year (September 2024 – July 2025). According to the Grain Union of Kazakhstan (GUK), 548.3 thousand tons of grain were shipped during this period.

This success is largely due to a reduction in Russian durum supplies to the European market, which opened up new opportunities for Kazakh producers. According to Yevgeny Karabanov, Head of the GUK Analytical Committee, in July 2025 exports amounted to 38.2 thousand tons. Remarkably, almost the entire volume — 37.4 thousand tons — was shipped to Italy, where it is used to produce high-quality pasta. The remaining 0.8 thousand tons were purchased by Tajikistan.

The high demand for Kazakh wheat is explained by its quality. The 2024 durum harvest, which reached 1.02 million tons, showed high vitreousness, making it an ideal raw material for Italian pasta factories. The best part of the harvest — 54% of the total volume — was exported. Lower-quality grain remained in the country, where it is used by local pasta producers and for feed flour.

GUK analysts forecast that export volumes will be minimal in August. This is due to the fact that stocks of the old harvest are almost depleted: about 30 thousand tons remain in storage. The market is awaiting the arrival of the new harvest, after which export shipments are expected to gain momentum again.

Thus, the record growth in durum wheat exports achieved this season may become the new normal for Kazakhstan.