Kazakhstan exported 23,400 tons of fish products in 2024, marking a decline from the previous year despite an overall 7% growth in domestic fish production. The figures point to a significant rise in domestic consumption of fish.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, 72 enterprises are currently engaged in fish processing, with 20 of them supplying products to the European Union. Kazakhstani fish products, over 50 types in total, are exported to 21 countries. However, the 2024 export volume fell short of the 25,300 tons reported in 2023, which included 11,800 tons of processed fish, a slight increase over 2022.
In contrast, domestic consumption has surged. The domestic market absorbed 94,600 tons of fish products in 2024, up 7% compared to 2023.
“The state actively supports the development of aquaculture. Subsidies to the industry have increased ninefold since 2021, reaching KZT 4.5 billion ($8.7 million) in 2024. Kazakhstan provides reimbursement of up to 25% of investment costs, 30% of feed costs, and 50% of the cost of purchasing young fish, broodstock, and veterinary drugs,” the Ministry of Agriculture stated.
The number of fish farms in Kazakhstan has doubled in the past three years, reaching 600. In 2024, investments in fixed assets in the fishing industry exceeded KZT 5.2 billion ($10.1 million).
Despite this growth, concerns remain about the ecological health of regional fish stocks. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, the Caspian sturgeon population has plummeted by 90% amid an ongoing environmental crisis.
