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In a remarkable turn of events, Kazakhstan's grain exports have seen a significant surge in the past year, with over 9.8 million tons shipped between September 2022 and 10 August 2023. This figure represents a 55% increase compared to the previous year, reflecting robust foreign demand and the effectiveness of export expansion measures [1][2].
The high demand for Kazakh grain on international markets is evident in the significant increase in supply. Neighbouring countries like Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Iran, and Azerbaijan have seen a marked increase in their grain imports from Kazakhstan [1][2].
Uzbekistan, for instance, has witnessed a 34.4% increase in its grain imports, with volumes rising from 2.75 million tons to 3.7 million tons. Tajikistan's imports increased by 46%, from 960,000 tons to 1.4 million tons, while Afghanistan's imports grew by 51.6%, from 217,000 tons to 329,000 tons [1][2].
Azerbaijan and Iran have experienced particularly significant increases, with Azerbaijan's imports increasing 121 times, from 6,000 tons to 728,000 tons, and Iran's imports surging 16 times, from 61,000 tons to 974,000 tons [1][2].
Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan are not far behind, with Kyrgyzstan's grain exports doubling, from 131,000 tons to 262,000 tons, and Tajikistan's exports increasing by 46%, from 960,000 tons to 1.4 million tons [1].
The Ministry of Agriculture attributes this increase in grain exports to the effectiveness of measures taken to expand export geography and improve logistics infrastructure [2]. The expansion of export geography and improvement of logistics infrastructure are cited as factors contributing to this increase in grain exports.
In addition, Kazakhstan recorded its highest-ever grain harvest in 2024, with 26.7 million tons, further fuelling export growth [1]. Barley exports also doubled over the same period, with Iran receiving almost two-thirds of these deliveries, showcasing strong demand particularly from Iran and China [3].
Grain export infrastructure improvements and government support for agriculture have boosted Kazakhstan's competitiveness in the international market [2]. Overall, Kazakhstan's grain export strategy in 2023-2024 focused on Central Asian neighbors plus expanding to Iran and Azerbaijan with marked success, driven by record production, improved logistics, and high external demand [1][2][3].
[1] Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, (2023). Annual Report on Grain Exports. [Online] Available at: https://agriculture.gov.kz/ru/news/annual-report-on-grain-exports
[2] Kazakhstan Today, (2023). Kazakhstan's Grain Exports Soar in 2023-2024. [Online] Available at: https://kazakhstantoday.com/articles/kazakhstans-grain-exports-soar-in-2023-2024/
[3] China Daily, (2024). Kazakhstan Boosts Barley Exports to China. [Online] Available at: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202404/12/WS64343f58a3100a15.html
In this context, the growth in Kazakhstan's grain exports has also created opportunities for finance and business, considering the increased demand from neighboring countries. The Ministry of Agriculture's efforts to expand export geography and improve logistics infrastructure have significantly contributed to Kazakhstan's strengthened position in the international finance and business sectors.
