China Strengthens Position as Kazakhstan’s Top Trading Partner
China is strengthening its position as Kazakhstan’s largest trading partner.
In January-June 2026, China accounted for 23.2% of Kazakhstan’s total foreign trade turnover. Trade between the two countries reached $16.65 billion, compared with $13.22 billion in trade with Russia, according to the Bureau of National Statistics.
The difference is also reflected in export volumes. Kazakhstan exported approximately $7.51 billion worth of goods to China during the period, more than twice the nearly $3.49 billion exported to Russia.
The composition of exports to the two markets also differs significantly. Shipments to China are dominated by raw materials, including ores and concentrates, copper, oil and other commodities. Exports to Russia are more diversified, comprising metals, chemicals, machinery, equipment and other manufactured goods.
The figures point to an evolving structure of Kazakhstan’s external trade. China is becoming an increasingly important destination for Kazakhstan’s natural resources and a major source of demand linked to industrial and investment activity. Russia, meanwhile, continues to play a broader role across Kazakhstan’s regional supply chains and trade in manufactured and industrial goods.
The growing share of China in Kazakhstan’s foreign trade highlights the country’s deepening economic ties with its eastern neighbor and the changing balance among its major trading partners.
Photo credit: freepik
