Growth of rail traffic between China and Kazakhstan

Rail transportation between Kazakhstan and China is showing strong growth. In January 2025, their volume reached 2.8 million tons, which is 18% more than in the same period in 2024. Such data was provided by the press service of the national railway operator “Kazakhstan Temir Zholy".

Kazakhstan cargo export growth to China

Exports of goods from Kazakhstan to China increased by 5%, amounting to 1.1 million tons. Particularly noticeable growth was recorded in the following cargo categories::

• Metal ores – an increase of 5% to 652 thousand tons.

• Ferrous metals - a jump of 77%, to 104 thousand tons.

• Petroleum products – growth by 50%, up to 32 thousand tons.

• Other cargo items (bran, mixed feed, vegetable oil) - an increase of 30%, to 215 thousand tons.

Dynamics of traffic through border crossings

Two key railway crossings on the border of Kazakhstan and China showed particular growth:

• Dostyk Crossing - the volume of transportation increased by 12%, reaching 1.5 million tons.

• Altynkol crossing – a significant increase of 25% was recorded, which made it possible to transport 1.3 million tons of cargo.

Growth factors and prospects

The increase in cargo traffic between Kazakhstan and China is due to a number of factors. Among them are the intensification of trade relations between the two countries, improvement of logistics infrastructure, as well as an increase in demand for Kazakh goods from the Chinese market. Further development of railway transportation is expected in the near future, which opens up new prospects for exporters and transport companies.

Experts predict that the steady growth of traffic volumes will continue, contributing to the strengthening of economic ties between Kazakhstan and China and the development of the transit potential of the region.