Kazakhstani producers continue to export meat products to the United Arab Emirates despite logistical complications caused by the conflict in the Middle East. Shipments are also expected to increase, according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Trade and Integration.
Military developments in the region, including hostilities affecting Iranian territory since February 28, have disrupted logistics for several Central Asian countries. Nevertheless, Kazakhstani exporters have managed to maintain their presence in Middle Eastern markets.
According to the ministry, seven tons of chilled lamb were exported to the UAE over the past week. Deliveries are being carried out with the support of the ministry and the national export development operator QazTrade.
Authorities aim to raise lamb exports to a regular level of ten tons per week.
Shipments are taking place amid ongoing challenges in international logistics in the Persian Gulf region. International carriers report that restrictions on air traffic and disruptions to certain transport routes continue to affect cargo transport, particularly for perishable goods.
To ensure stable exports, government agencies have strengthened cooperation with industry associations, including the Union of Livestock Breeders of Kazakhstan, the Union of Poultry Breeders of Kazakhstan, and the National Association of Meat Processors.
The ministry states that Kazakhstan fully meets domestic demand for meat products. Export deliveries are carried out using surplus production volumes, enabling farmers to expand their access to foreign markets.
A significant share of the food market in Gulf countries relies on imports. According to estimates by international organizations, up to 85-90% of food products in the UAE are imported.
By the end of 2025, Kazakhstan’s total exports to the UAE amounted to $132.9 million. Mutton accounted for about 55% of food exports.
Kazakhstan has been supplying mutton to the UAE market since 2021.
In recent years, the country has actively expanded food exports to Middle Eastern markets, including shipments of grain, flour, vegetable oils, and meat products.
According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture, by the end of the 2024/2025 marketing year (September-August), exports of grain and flour in grain equivalent reached 15.3 million tons, 60% higher than the previous year.
In the current marketing year, shipments of grain and flour from the new harvest have already reached 8.5 million tons, representing a 14% increase compared with the same period in 2025.
