Grain export growth from Kazakhstan: new records and directions

The volume of new crop grain exports from Kazakhstan to Central Asian countries has grown significantly. According to the data of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy JSC (KTZ), 6.1 million tons of grain were transported from September 2024 to January 2025, which is 47% more compared to the same period last year. The main volume of deliveries is directed to the countries of Central Asia — 2.7 million tons.

Especially noticeable is the growth of exports to:

• Uzbekistan-an increase of 23%;

• Tajikistan — growth of 18%;

• Turkmenistan — three times more deliveries;

• Kyrgyzstan — growth of four times.

Record growth in shipments to Iran

Grain exports to Iran via the ports of Aktau and Kuryk reached 576 thousand tons, which is 29 times more than last year. In January 2025, transportation in this direction amounted to 121 thousand tons, which shows a 23-fold increase. This indicates a growing demand for Kazakh grain from Iranian importers.

Transportation to Russia and transit through the Baltic States

Grain transportation to Russia is carried out without restrictions. The total volume of exports and transit to Russia amounted to more than 660 thousand tons, which is 94% more than in the same period last year. Transit traffic through the ports of Russia and the Baltic states also remains stable, amounting to 100 thousand tons.

Domestic transportation and market dynamics

Domestic grain transportation in Kazakhstan also showed positive dynamics. In January 2025, the volume of domestic traffic increased by 33%, reaching 217 thousand tons. The total volume of domestic traffic for five months amounted to 1.3 million tons, which is 28% higher than last year.

Sufficiency of railcars and locomotives

KTZ reports that the country's railcar and locomotive fleet fully supports the growing traffic volumes. Currently, there is even a surplus of grain carriers and covered wagons, which guarantees uninterrupted transportation of grain both for export and within the country.

Thus, Kazakhstan demonstrates steady growth in grain exports, actively develops new markets and increases the volume of supplies to traditional destinations.