Kazakhstan is making significant strides in diversifying its economy, as evidenced by its impressive export figures for non-resource goods. In 2024, the nation exported over $23 billion worth of non-resource products, reflecting a growing emphasis on processed goods and manufactured items.
According to the Ministry of Trade and Integration, Russia emerged as Kazakhstan's largest trading partner for non-resource exports, accounting for $7.86 billion of the total. This close economic relationship is bolstered by geographic proximity and deep integration within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). China followed closely, importing $7.19 billion worth of goods, highlighting its strategic importance in light of increasing demand for metallurgical, chemical, and food products.
Other key markets include Turkey, which imported $1.95 billion, and Uzbekistan, with $1.89 billion. Kyrgyzstan also contributed to the figures, importing $1.15 billion worth of goods. The United States, Tajikistan, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Japan rounded out the list of countries engaged with Kazakhstan, with respective imports of $863 million, $678 million, $647 million, $558 million, and $506 million.
In 2024, processed goods accounted for the largest portion of Kazakhstan's exports, with a significant $7.8 billion worth shipped to Russia alone. Among these processed items, natural processed uranium led the way at $1.81 billion, followed by aluminum oxide at $365 million. Flat-rolled iron or non-alloy steel products also saw substantial export volumes, with various forms of processing contributing to totals of $319.6 million for rolled products, $239.1 million for galvanized or lacquered products, and $208.5 million for cold-rolled items.
In addition to these established goods, Kazakhstan's export basket has diversified further in 2024, introducing new products such as locomotives, paving slabs, and floating beacons. The nation has also begun exporting processed products to new markets, including Mauritania, Laos, Jamaica, Monaco, Gabon, and Zimbabwe.
Trade and economic missions are planned for 2025, targeting regions such as China, the Near East, and the European Union. The Ministry of Trade and Integration has appointed trade representatives to several key countries, including Turkey, China, the UAE, India, and Iran, to strengthen Kazakhstan’s international presence.
QazTrade has expanded its operations by opening a representative office in Urumqi, China, and enhancing infrastructure in Nanjing. This strategic focus on China, identified as Kazakhstan's primary trading partner, underscores the government's commitment to fostering economic ties.
In a broader context, the export data from 2024 and early 2025 indicates a substantial increase in non-resource exports, both in volume and value. Ferroalloys, for instance, remain a leading export product, with 1.81 million tons exported in 2024, generating $2.43 billion in revenue. However, the first two months of 2025 have shown a slight decrease in certain commodities, such as unwrought aluminum, which saw a decline of over 45% in volume.
Other notable exports include plastics in primary forms, sunflower oil, and organic chemicals. The latter category alone generated $4.55 billion in 2024, reflecting a 4% increase in volumes. Early 2025 figures show continued interest in these sectors, with organic chemical exports totaling 564.7 tons valued at $72.5 million.
Despite some fluctuations, the overall trend indicates a growing share of processed goods in Kazakhstan’s export structure. The Ministry of Trade and Integration has emphasized that many products are experiencing faster growth in revenue compared to physical volumes, suggesting a shift towards higher-value exports.
As Kazakhstan continues to navigate the complexities of international trade, its efforts to diversify away from a reliance on raw materials are increasingly evident. The government’s proactive approach in establishing new markets and enhancing trade relationships positions the country for future economic resilience.
In conclusion, Kazakhstan's non-resource export landscape is evolving, with significant contributions from various sectors. The commitment to expanding trade partnerships and focusing on processed goods indicates a strategic shift that could bolster the nation’s economic stability in the years to come.
