Kazakhstan's agricultural sector received a significant boost in recent discussions about export growth, led by Vice Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin and Vice Minister of Agriculture Yerbol Taszhurekov. Over the past five years, agricultural exports have surged by 51%, reaching an impressive $5.1 billion. This growth has established a diverse export geography, covering an impressive 66 countries, with processed products accounting for a remarkable 52% of total agricultural exports.
In 2024 alone, Kazakhstan's agricultural exports totaled $5.1 billion, marking a 3.9% increase in both volume and value, translating to approximately 16.1 million tons of goods shipped. Key products exported from Kazakhstan include wheat, lentils, and various meat types, with grain remaining a focal point of the nation’s agricultural exports.
Specifically, grains contributed heavily to the total, with Kazakhstan exporting 8.1 million tons in 2024. Notably, from September 2024 to March 18, 2025, the country exported 6.3 million tons of its new harvest to various nations in Central Asia including Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, as well as to markets in China, Afghanistan, and European countries. This represents a substantial 53% increase over the previous year's figures, indicative of rising demand.
Among notable figures is 741,000 tons shipped to Iran—a staggering seventeen-fold increase—and 408,000 tons sent to Azerbaijan, marking the highest levels in five years. Observers noted that previous shipments to Azerbaijan had been as low as 4,000 tons during the last marketing year, emphasizing the transformation in trade relations.
Discussion surrounding the export of processed food was equally important at the meeting, with processed product exports growing by 14.9% this year to reach $2.7 billion. The types of products being exported include vegetable oils, sausages, and flour confections, contributing to the increase in the share of these processed goods in the overall export profile.
Zhumangarin highlighted the necessity of enhancing cooperation with China, focusing on the removal of export-import restrictions that have previously hindered Kazakhstan-bound products. This collaboration is expected to facilitate broader access to the market. Further, the government is set to open up additional markets for future agricultural products, including plans for vegetable oil to enter the Chinese market by 2025, with rice, cotton, and various vegetables following in 2026.
Another crucial aspect of the meeting addressed veterinary safety, a topic that resonates deeply in trade discussions. Due to collaborative efforts between Kazakhstan and the Rosselkhoznadzor, restrictions on certain livestock products were lifted, enabling the export of quality meat and related products to Armenia, China, Russia, and Belarus. Zhumangarin underscored the importance of these developments, stating, "We should be looking for potential export directions for these products."
As Kazakhstan anticipates increased production of horse and poultry meat following the establishment of large poultry farms, discussions on prospective export opportunities for these products were highlighted as critical. These initiatives indicate a proactive approach to securing the nation's agricultural future and expanding international reach.
On an operational level, measures are being undertaken to increase the number of Kazakh enterprises registered with foreign export lists. Currently, over 3,100 enterprises are documented in the EAEU countries' registers, showcasing the growing international involvement of Kazakhstan’s agricultural producers.
With agricultural exports witnessing considerable momentum, there remains ongoing attention to sustainability and quality assurance as the Ministry of Agriculture prepares to launch a quality inspection laboratory in the first half of 2025, ensuring that Kazakh products meet international standards and enhancing trade facilitation.
This snapshot of Kazakhstan's agricultural export landscape not only highlights the substantial growth seen in recent years but also reflects the country’s commitment to expanding its global footprint in the food and agricultural sector. With continued governmental support and strategic international partnerships, Kazakhstan is well-positioned to respond rapidly to global market demands, paving the way for a bright future in agricultural exports.
