- Export growth: Kazakhstan’s grain and flour exports rose 13.6% year-on-year to 11.7 million tonnes in September 2025–May 20, 2026.
- Demand drivers: Central Asian buyers led the expansion, with Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan all sharply increasing imports.
- Afghan surge: Exports to Afghanistan jumped 2.3 times to 3 million tonnes, signaling strong regional consumption and logistics demand.
- Uzbekistan dominance: Uzbekistan remained the largest buyer at 4.8 million tonnes, up 39.5% from the prior year.
Kazakhstan Grain Exports Surge on Central Asian Demand
Kazakhstan exported 11.7 million tonnes of grain and flour (grain equivalent) between September 2025 and May 20, 2026, an increase of 13.6% from 10.3 million tonnes a year earlier, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, citing JSC NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy.
Central Asian markets were the primary growth engine. Uzbekistan strengthened its role as Kazakhstan’s largest buyer, lifting imports by 39.5% to 4.8 million tonnes from 3.5 million tonnes. Kyrgyzstan boosted purchases by 50% to 457 thousand tonnes from 297 thousand tonnes, while Turkmenistan increased imports by 47.7% to 192 thousand tonnes from 130 thousand tonnes.
Afghanistan posted the fastest growth, with volumes rising 2.3 times from 1.3 million tonnes to 3 million tonnes over the period, underscoring robust demand and Kazakhstan’s expanding role as a key regional grain supplier.
Export Volumes by Destination
| Destination | Sep 2024–May 20, 2025 (tonnes) | Sep 2025–May 20, 2026 (tonnes) | Change (tonnes) | Change (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Exports (Grain & Flour, Grain Eq.) | 10,300,000 | 11,700,000 | +1,400,000 | +13.6% |
| Uzbekistan | 3,500,000 | 4,800,000 | +1,300,000 | +39.5% |
| Afghanistan | 1,300,000 | 3,000,000 | +1,700,000 | +130.8% (2.3x) |
| Kyrgyzstan | 297,000 | 457,000 | +160,000 | +50.0% |
| Turkmenistan | 130,000 | 192,000 | +62,000 | +47.7% |
Market and Logistics Implications
The strong export performance highlights Kazakhstan’s growing importance as a regional grain hub. The 2.3x jump in flows to Afghanistan, alongside higher volumes to Uzbekistan and other neighbors, points to sustained demand across Central Asia ahead of the 2026/27 marketing year.
Rising overland rail shipments toward Central Asian destinations may shift some freight demand from traditional Black Sea maritime routes to land-based corridors. While the direct impact on global seaborne freight remains limited due to Kazakhstan’s landlocked position, reduced competition for regional buyers could indirectly support Black Sea exporters by easing supply pressure in overlapping markets.
Overall, the data confirms healthy regional consumption and stable import demand, providing a constructive backdrop for Kazakhstan’s grain sector and related logistics providers.
Source: Market Data
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