- Kazakhstan–China rail exports up 11%: Second track on the Dostyk–Moiynty route boosts eastbound freight flows.
- Stronger rail performance overall: Operational freight turnover reached 264 billion tonne-km, up 7.4% year-on-year.
- Backbone export cargo growth: Volumes from key enterprises rose to 80 million tonnes, a 6.5% increase.
- Trade route implications: Additional eastbound capacity may slightly ease pressure on Black Sea grain and freight markets.
Kazakhstan Rail Freight Expansion
Kazakhstan’s national rail operator JSC NC KTZ has reported notable gains in freight activity following a key infrastructure upgrade on its eastern corridor to China. The launch of a second track on the Dostyk–Moiynty route has enabled higher throughput, directly supporting increased export volumes toward Chinese markets.
According to KTZ Chairman Talgat Aldybergenov, rail exports on the eastern corridor to China have risen by 11% after the second track entered operation. This improvement underscores the corridor’s importance as a strategic outlet for Kazakhstan’s export-oriented sectors, particularly bulk commodities.
Freight Volumes and Operational Performance
Over the first eleven months of the year, KTZ recorded a total operational freight turnover of 264 billion tonne-kilometers, an increase of 7.4% compared with the same period a year earlier. Export cargo volumes from Kazakhstan’s backbone enterprises reached 80 million tonnes, up 6.5% year-on-year, with the eastern route delivering the strongest performance among the country’s freight corridors.
| Metric | Current Period | Change YoY |
|---|---|---|
| Operational freight turnover | 264 billion tonne-km | +7.4% |
| Export cargo from backbone enterprises | 80 million tonnes | +6.5% |
| Rail exports to China (eastern corridor) | n/a (percentage change) | +11.0% |
Implications for Black Sea Freight Markets
The expansion of capacity on Kazakhstan’s eastern rail corridor is neutral to mildly positive for Black Sea freight markets. Enhanced ability to move Central Asian grain and other bulk commodities directly to China can divert some volumes away from traditional routes that rely on Black Sea ports. This reduces marginal pressure on regional shipping capacity and may slightly temper freight rate volatility on competing Black Sea routes.
However, the overall impact is expected to remain limited, as Kazakhstan’s grain export volumes are modest relative to major Black Sea exporters such as Russia and Ukraine. Market participants should nonetheless track how increased eastbound capacity influences trade flows, freight rates on alternative corridors, and price spreads between Black Sea and Far East destination markets over the coming seasons.
Source: Market Data
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