Kazakhstan continues to solidify its position in the global grain market, with Uzbekistan reaffirming its status as the largest importer of Kazakh wheat.
According to data from Kazakhstan Railways, a total of 10.6 million tons of grain were transported in 2024, of which 8.1 million tons were exported. Uzbekistan accounted for the largest share of these exports, receiving 3.3 million tons, underscoring its strategic role as Kazakhstan’s primary grain trade partner.
Other key export destinations included China (1.7 million tons), Tajikistan (1.2 million tons, a 20% increase compared to 2023), and Kyrgyzstan (140,000 tons, nearly twice the volume of 2023).
Kazakhstan has also successfully resumed grain exports to Iran and Azerbaijan, demonstrating an expansion in its export portfolio. Deliveries to Iran doubled to 526,000 tons, while shipments to Azerbaijan increased by 1.8 times, reaching 211,000 tons.
Between September and December 2024, Kazakhstan transported 5 million tons of newly harvested grain, marking a 50% increase compared to the same period in 2023. During this time, exports rose by 57%, amounting to 3.9 million tons. Uzbekistan imported 1.5 million tons (a 45% increase), Tajikistan 633,000 tons (57%), Afghanistan 190,000 tons (51%), and China 592,000 tons (2%).
Of particular note, grain exports to Iran surged by 30 times during this period, totaling 455,000 tons. Exports to Azerbaijan reached 188,000 tons, while no shipments to this market were recorded in the same period of 2023.
Uzbekistan’s dominant share in Kazakhstan’s wheat exports highlights its vital role as a key player in the regional grain trade and reinforces its importance as a strategic partner for Kazakhstan.
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