Kazakhstan’s e-commerce sector reached a volume of approximately KZT 3.2 trillion ($6.2 billion) in 2024, marking a fivefold increase since 2020, according to Deputy Minister of Trade and Integration Aset Nusupov. The announcement was made at the Astana International Trade Forum.
Nusupov emphasized that digital trade has become a strategic pillar of Kazakhstan’s economic development, export diversification, and integration into global value chains. “At the end of 2024, e-commerce in Kazakhstan amounted to about KZT 3.2 trillion, with volumes increasing fivefold since 2020,” he stated. “The potential for growth remains high, given our strong digital infrastructure, advanced fintech ecosystem, and more than 8 million young, active users.”
E-commerce currently accounts for 14.1% of Kazakhstan’s total retail trade. The Ministry aims to raise this figure to 18.5% by 2029, more than double the current level. Authorities acknowledge that the COVID-19 pandemic served as a major catalyst for growth in the sector, as lockdowns and social distancing measures accelerated the shift toward contactless commerce.
Nusupov highlighted the sector’s global trajectory, noting that roughly 30% of the world’s population now shops online. The global e-commerce market is valued at $6.3 trillion as of 2024 and is expected to grow to $8.3 trillion in the coming years.
Kazakhstan’s participation in this trend has had tangible economic benefits. According to the deputy minister, the country’s trade deficit in services, reflecting a surplus of imports over exports, fell from $3.65 billion in 2016 to $1.81 billion in 2023, partly due to the expansion of e-commerce.
To maintain momentum, Kazakhstan has adopted a national plan for e-commerce development through 2027. The strategy prioritizes legislative reform, educational programs, financial support for entrepreneurs, and investment in logistics infrastructure. Legislative initiatives aim to strengthen consumer protection and establish regulatory parity between online and offline retail sectors.
Kazakhstan is also engaged in international efforts to expand cross-border e-commerce. Meanwhile, as previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, domestic debates continue over increasing taxation on foreign e-commerce platforms, an issue that has gained traction in recent years.
