Kazakhstan's Agricultural Export Reaches Record Levels in 2024
Kazakhstan continues to strengthen its role as a leading agricultural exporter, reaching a record-breaking $5.1 billion in exports in 2024. This marks a substantial 3.9% increase, totaling 16.1 million tonnes of products ranging from grains and pulses to oils and meats.
What Kazakhstan Exports Most
The key export items from Kazakhstan include wheat, meslin, barley, flax seeds, beef, lamb, frozen fish, wheat flour, sunflower oil, carbonated water, and cotton fiber. These diverse offerings underline the country's agricultural versatility and robust production capabilities.
Rapid Growth and Expanding Markets
Over the last five years, Kazakhstan's agricultural exports have impressively grown by 51%, with products reaching 66 countries worldwide. Notably, processed agricultural goods now account for 52% of total exports, highlighting a strategic shift towards higher value-added production.
Key markets for Kazakhstani agricultural products include Central Asia, Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) countries, Iran, Turkey, China, and the European Union.
Image source: Wheat seeds by ranasu, Getty Images Signature
Remarkable Increase in Grain Exports
Grains remain Kazakhstan's standout commodity. In 2024, total grain exports hit 8.1 million tonnes, showing remarkable growth of 53% compared to the previous season. Notably, exports to Iran surged dramatically—up by 17 times to 741,000 tonnes, while exports to Azerbaijan reached 408,000 tonnes, marking the highest level in the last five years.
Strengthening Partnerships and Trade Agreements
Kazakhstan has proactively engaged in international cooperation by signing plant quarantine and protection agreements with Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iran, China, and CIS countries. Such collaborations significantly facilitate market access for Kazakhstani agricultural producers.
In addition, Kazakhstan's partnership with China has notably intensified. Over 2,400 Kazakh enterprises are registered to export various agricultural products to China. Plans for opening new markets such as sugar beet pulp in 2025, and rice, mung beans, and cotton in 2026, promise further expansion.
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Facilitating Easier Trade with China
A significant milestone will be the launch of a Chinese-built laboratory in East Kazakhstan this year, which will streamline quality inspections and simplify export procedures into China, substantially benefiting Kazakh exporters.
Future Prospects
Given the positive developments, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy, Serik Zhumangarin, has instructed to further strengthen cooperation with China to resolve trade barriers and explore additional avenues for exporting Kazakh agricultural products.
AGRIWELL continues to closely monitor these trends, supporting Kazakhstan's drive towards sustainable agricultural exports and encouraging more producers to transition to organic farming practices. Stay tuned as we share more insights into Kazakhstan’s growing influence in global agriculture.
Source: APK-Inform
