Increased Export of Grains - Report from the Ministry of Agriculture
In a significant leap forward, Kazakhstan's grain exports have experienced a remarkable surge in the 2024-2025 season. This growth is primarily attributed to a bountiful harvest, competitive pricing, and robust demand from key importers such as Iran, China, and Central Asian countries.
According to data provided by JSC 'NC 'Kazakhstan Temir Zholy', exports for the period September 2024 to August 10, 2025, exceeded 9.8 million tons. This represents a 55 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023-2024.
The press release, announced by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan on Saturday, August 16, 2025, also highlighted the dynamics of supplies in key directions. Exports to Afghanistan increased by 51.6 percent, from 217 thousand tons to 329 thousand tons. Supplies to Tajikistan grew by 46 percent, amounting to 1.4 million tons against 960 thousand tons a year earlier. The export of Kazakh grain to Uzbekistan increased by 34.4 percent, from 2.75 million tons to 3.7 million tons.
The increase in grain exports is also evident in the imports of several countries. Iran's grain exports surged nearly 17-fold, and barley imports reached about 1.06 million tons, nearly 30 times more than the previous year. Azerbaijan's grain imports grew dramatically, increasing 120-fold for general grain. Uzbekistan's grain imports increased by roughly 28-31%, and barley imports also rose to 125,200 tons. Tajikistan's wheat imports increased by about 22-39%. Kyrgyzstan's wheat and flour imports grew 2.5 times for general grain and 3.9 times for specific wheat and flour categories.
China also saw a notable increase in wheat feed meal imports, nearly doubling, and barley imports rose to over 414,000 tons. Turkey, Georgia, Belgium, Poland, Portugal, Norway, UK, Morocco, Vietnam, and Italy also imported grain from Kazakhstan for the first time or after a hiatus, underscoring export diversification.
The export growth is also attributed to Kazakhstan's increased harvest, such as the record 3.84 million tons of barley, competitive pricing that rose alongside demand, and strategic expansion into new markets. This has solidified Kazakhstan’s position as a major global grain exporter.
However, the press release did not provide details about the foreign markets where the increased grain exports are directed, nor did it specify the types of grains exported. The gross harvest of grain in 2024 amounted to a record 26.7 million tons for the country. Supplies to Azerbaijan increased 121 times, from 6 thousand tons to 728 thousand tons. Volumes of supplies to Kyrgyzstan doubled: from 131 thousand tons to 262 thousand tons.
The increase in grain exports reflects high demand for Kazakh grain on foreign markets, positioning the country as a key player in the global grain market.
The surge in Kazakhstan's grain exports has extended beyond the domestic industry, attracting significant attention in the global finance sector. This upward trend in exports has also resulted in a substantial increase in grain imports for several countries, such as Iran, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan.
