Kazakhstan is currently facing significant hurdles affecting its grain exports, particularly due to restrictions imposed by Russia on its port operations. Ambassador Daureen Abaev highlighted the situation during his interview with RIA Novosti on March 2, 2025, stating, "During numerous meetings and negotiations with our Russian colleagues, steps are being taken to lift the ban. This will allow Kazakhstan to export up to 1 million tons of grain to EU markets."
This ban has been put in place as Russia prioritizes its own traders over those from Kazakhstan, leaving the latter to scramble for alternate markets to address the surplus of grain resulting from the high harvests. With Kazakhstan's grain production reaching 25 million tons, of which 18 million tons were wheat, the country is eager to expand its export reach, with the European Union identified as the primary target. The excess production stems partly from favorable weather and high carryover stocks from the previous season, leading to reduced demand domestically.
Despite the turmoil surrounding grain exports, trade relations between Kazakhstan and Russia remain strong. According to Abaev, the volume of trade between the two nations reached $27 billion during 2023-2024, highlighting the intertwined economic interests, even amid increasing sanctions on Russia. Kazakhstan has more than 21,000 enterprises with Russian participation and is involved in about 170 joint projects under industrial cooperation agreements.
Interestingly, as Kazakhstan attempts to navigate these challenges, it is also revamping its agricultural policies. Since February 2025, Kazakhstan lifted its ban on wheat imports from the Eurasian Economic Union and other countries, with Russia having already resumed wheat shipments. A recent delivery of approximately 980 tons of wheat from Novosibirsk marked this renewed openness.
Error incidents have occasionally marred these trade relations, as evidenced by concerns raised when Russia's Rosselkhoznadzor reported phytosanitary issues tied to grain imports from Kazakhstan, alleging contamination with pests and pathogens. This issue has necessitated stricter compliance measures from Kazakhstan's Ministry of Agriculture. Amidst these tensions, some lawmakers have even proposed retaliatory measures, including imposing restrictions on imports of Russian products, signifying the delicate balance of diplomacy at play.
Switching gears, Azerbaijan, too, has seen remarkable success with its apple exports. The Caspian newspaper reported significant increases, where Azerbaijan exported 97,786 tons of fresh apples valued at $61.9 million last year—a growth of approximately 8.1% compared to 2023. The country's apples have gained global popularity due to their high quality, with "the export potential of apples is significant and can bring substantial economic benefit."
Azerbaijan's agricultural scene has experienced increased demand for apples, fueled by the global interest in healthy eating habits. Apples are not only consumed fresh but also processed for juices, jams, and other products. The apple variety "Gyzyl Akhmed," known for its delightful flavor and aroma, dominates local cultivation and is celebrated annually during the Apple Festival held in the Guba-Khachmaz economic region.
Climate has posed its share of challenges; for example, the previous autumn saw the activation of pests due to unseasonably warmer temperatures. Balancing climate change's effects on cultivation is now of utmost importance to Azerbaijan's farmers, who are adapting their practices to mitigate the impact of climate variability.
To add to the regional agricultural narrative, Volgograd has commenced exporting fodder corn to Middle Eastern countries as of late February 2025. The export initiative follows Russia's national export project aiming to bolster economic relationships with nations not affected by current sanctions. Efforts are being made to support small and medium enterprises with extensive training programs for overseas market engagements.
A representative from the Volgograd regional economic committee commented, "The national project 'Export' anticipates the creation of a comprehensive support system for domestic companies." This initiative not only aims to optimize functioning mechanisms but also seeks to fortify the necessary infrastructure for importers, ensuring partnerships thrive beyond borders.
The tangible outcomes of these diverse agricultural strategies paint a picture of determination and resilience across the affected regions, as they embrace opportunities for export growth against prevailing challenges. With countries like Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Russia reorienting their trade relations, the developments reveal how agricultural markets can pivot and develop under pressure.