Kazakhstan Expands Agricultural Exports and Aims to Boost Domestic Machinery Production
Kazakhstan is actively expanding its agricultural export capacity while simultaneously focusing on strengthening domestic agro-industrial support systems, including preferential financing, subsidy reforms, and increasing agricultural machinery production, according to a report from the Prime Minister’s press service on Nov. 11.
The Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) national railway company highlights a rise in grain exports in 2023, driven by increased shipments of barley, corn, lentils, peas, and rice. Barley exports, in particular, surged—especially to Iran, where they increased eightfold over the last two months. Total barley exports rose by 69% to reach 710,000 tons in the first ten months of the year. Corn exports also saw significant gains, with shipments up 1.5 times, reaching 117,000 tons, including a 38% increase to Tajikistan and a threefold increase to Uzbekistan.
In terms of other products, lentil exports skyrocketed sevenfold to 80,000 tons, with the majority being exported to European markets. Pea exports nearly tripled, with notable increases in shipments to Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, while rice exports rose by 47% to include new markets in Azerbaijan and Belarus.
Kazakhstan is also looking to break records in oil and fat exports to China. The country aims for $250 million in oil product exports for the 2024-25 period, with domestic oil manufacturers having secured $56 million in new contracts at the China International Import Expo. The industry is optimistic about reaching $300 million in vegetable oil and press cake exports to China over the next two years, reflecting Kazakhstan’s focus on expanding agricultural trade in the global market.
This comprehensive approach to agricultural exports, paired with a focus on enhancing domestic machinery production, underscores Kazakhstan’s commitment to bolstering its agro-industrial sector while strengthening trade ties across Asia and Europe.
