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Agricultural Export

Kazakhstan Increased Agricultural Export Revenue by More than a Third in 2025

Export revenues from Kazakhstan’s agro-industrial complex reached $7 billion in 2025, an increase of 37% compared to the previous year. This was announced by Deputy Minister of Agriculture Yerbol Taszhurekov. A year earlier, export revenues from agriculture totaled $5.1 billion. That figure was nearly 1.7 times higher than in 2018, when Kazakhstan’s farmers exported $3.1 billion worth of products. According to Taszhurekov, more than half of the export revenue in 2025, about $3.6 billion, came from processed agricultural products. Supplies of processed goods to foreign markets grew by 35% compared to 2024, when their exports amounted to $2.7 billion. “Significant growth in production allows us not only to fully supply the domestic market, but also to actively increase export volumes,” the deputy minister said. He also noted that the share of processed products in total agricultural output continues to rise. While it accounted for about 50% in 2024, preliminary data for 2025 suggests this figure has increased to 60%. Overall, Kazakhstan’s gross agricultural output rose by 5.9% in 2025, reaching 9.8 trillion tenge (about $19.6 billion). Among the sector’s key achievements were high yields of grain and oilseeds. Last year, the country harvested 25.9 million tons of grain in net weight, including 19.3 million tons of wheat. A record harvest of oilseeds was also recorded at 4.8 million tons, along with more than 1 million tons of legumes. According to Taszhurekov, changes in the structure of cultivated areas were the result of a policy aimed at agricultural diversification. The area planted with wheat was reduced by nearly 900,000 hectares, while the area under legumes increased by 275,000 hectares and oilseed crops expanded by more than 1 million hectares. “This creates a more sustainable agricultural model and expands the raw material base for processing enterprises,” he said. One of the most promising areas of development remains deep grain processing. By 2028, Kazakhstan plans to launch new production facilities with a total capacity of 5.8 million tons per year. Investment in these projects is estimated at approximately 1.9 trillion tenge (about $3.8 billion), and more than 3,300 jobs are expected to be created. The product range will also expand, with enterprises planning to produce amino acids, syrups, vitamins, and other high-value processed products. Taszhurekov also noted the expansion of state support instruments for the agro-industrial complex. Preferential loans have been introduced for processing enterprises to purchase fixed assets at an interest rate of 2.5% and to finance working capital at a rate of 5%. In addition, investment subsidy programs have been expanded. While the standard reimbursement rate is 25%, it has been increased for several priority sectors, to 40% for sugar production and egg processing, and to 50% for high-tech agricultural industries. “Thanks to the state support measures adopted, the industry is showing steady positive dynamics,” the ministry representative said. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan also plans to bring one of its iconic agricultural products, Aport apples, to international markets.

Agriculture

Escalation in the Middle East Threatens Kyrgyzstan’s Agricultural Export Potential

Escalating tensions in the Middle East are putting pressure on Kyrgyzstan’s export routes, a significant portion of which previously transited through Iranian territory. Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and on the Caspian Sea have provided Kyrgyz producers with access to markets in the Middle East and Europe. According to the National Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, cattle exports from Kyrgyzstan declined fivefold in 2024. In 2025, domestic meat prices rose sharply amid what authorities described as uncontrolled exports of cattle carcasses, primarily to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. In response, the State Antimonopoly Service introduced maximum retail prices for lamb and beef in the domestic market and imposed a temporary ban on livestock exports to neighboring countries. To stabilize supply, the government approved meat imports from India for processing plants, while domestic production was intended to meet internal demand. Against this backdrop, many farmers shifted their focus to exporting chilled meat to Iran. In 2024, shipments resumed, beginning with an initial 10-ton consignment, after which volumes gradually increased. The Ministry of Agriculture announced plans to raise lamb exports to Iran to 1,000 tons. In addition to meat, Kyrgyz companies exported legumes, grains, and dried vegetables to Middle Eastern markets via Iranian ports. Honey, beans, and nuts were also shipped to Europe using Iranian transit routes. However, in the context of renewed military tensions, Kyrgyz exporters may now need to seek alternative logistics corridors or new destination markets. Any rerouting is likely to increase transportation costs and reduce the price competitiveness of Kyrgyz agricultural products. In 2023, the Eurasian Economic Commission signed a free trade agreement with Iran, which entered into force on May 15, 2024. The agreement provides for the creation of “green customs corridors,” the digitalization of trade procedures, and the introduction of electronic transit mechanisms. According to EEC Minister for Trade Andrey Slepnev, the deal was intended to facilitate accelerated access to the Iranian market for companies from the Eurasian Economic Union. Under the agreement, goods from EAEU member states benefit from tariff preferences, including zero or reduced import duties in Iran. Iranian products receive comparable preferences within the EAEU market. Last year, Tehran also proposed that Bishkek consider establishing its own merchant fleet, using Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and the Caspian Sea to export Kyrgyz agricultural products and expand transit opportunities.

Aport Apples

Kazakhstan Moves to Export Its Legendary Aport Apples

Kazakhstan is preparing to introduce its iconic Almaty aport apples to international markets after the variety attracted strong interest from European partners at Grune Woche 2026 in Germany. During the exhibition, QazTrade and the Association of Almaty Aport Producers signed a memorandum aimed at promoting aport apples and their processed products abroad, according to the Ministry of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan. The aport is one of Kazakhstan’s most distinctive apple varieties and is closely associated with the natural and cultural heritage of Almaty, widely regarded as the ancestral home of apples. Known for their large size, rich aroma, and juiciness, aport apples are also highly demanding to cultivate. High-quality aport can only be grown at elevations between 850 and 1,250 meters above sea level, primarily in the foothills surrounding Almaty. Unlike commercial apple varieties that begin bearing fruit within four to six years, aport trees typically require eight to nine years before producing their first harvest. Despite the longer maturation period, the apple’s distinctive qualities and heritage value position it as a premium niche product. “The main advantage of aport is its uniqueness. Unlike mass-produced varieties designed for volume and long storage, aport stands out for its vivid taste, rich aroma, and large fruit size. Our orchards are located above 850 meters above sea level, which affects the firmness of the pulp and depth of flavor. In Germany, we presented not only fresh apples but also processed products such as fruit pastilles and apple chips. We also produce aport-based juice, vinegar, and dried fruit,” said Roman Safarov, president of the Association. According to QazTrade, participation in Grüne Woche confirmed strong export potential, particularly for processed aport products. “The Almaty aport is registered as a geographical indication. This status confirms its unique characteristics shaped by the natural conditions of the Almaty foothills, special soils, clean water, and temperature fluctuations. The geographical indication protects the brand and allows it to be promoted as a premium product in international markets,” said QazTrade CEO Aitmuhammed Aldazharov. Horticulture is increasingly viewed as a strategic growth area within Kazakhstan’s agro-industrial sector. According to Yerbol Taszhurekov, apple orchards in Kazakhstan now cover nearly 29,000 hectares, concentrated mainly in the southern regions of Almaty, Turkestan, Zhambyl, and Zhetisu. In the Almaty and Zhetisu regions alone, orchards span more than 2,400 hectares and include over 416,000 trees. Kazakhstan is also working to revive the aport variety, which had previously faced near extinction. Under a targeted 2024-2028 program involving private investors and specialized nurseries, authorities aim to produce certified saplings and expand commercial cultivation. By 2027, plans call for planting at least 110 hectares of new aport orchards.

Agricultural Export

Kazakhstan May Reimpose Potato Export Ban

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan, Serik Zhumangarin, has outlined the conditions under which the government may once again restrict potato exports. In January, Kazakh authorities introduced a six-month ban on the export of potatoes to countries outside the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). This measure was prompted by a surge in export demand, particularly from neighboring Uzbekistan and a 1.5-fold increase in volumes, which triggered a sharp rise in domestic prices. Zhumangarin warned that a similar scenario could unfold next year. Speaking at a government briefing, he explained the threshold for export restrictions: "Based on consumption standards of 100 kilograms per person, we need about 2 to 2.1 million tons of potatoes domestically. Therefore, when exports reach a critical level of 500 to 600 thousand tons, we will begin to restrict them. Potatoes are much more expensive in neighboring countries, and this is our competitive advantage. Our producers earn money from exports, and we do not interfere with them. But when it comes to supplying the domestic market, after selling 500 to 600 thousand tons, we will most likely close exports or introduce quotas," he said. According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture Azat Sultanov, this year’s potato harvest totaled 2.9 million tons. With domestic demand at approximately 2.1 million tons, the export potential stands at around 800,000 tons. However, accounting for potential storage losses, the government is using a more conservative estimate of 500,000 to 600,000 tons. Zhumangarin stated that 300,000 tons of the new crop have already been exported, with another 200,000 tons under contract. As a result, the threshold for possible export curbs has effectively been reached. He also noted that domestic prices have stabilized. “Potatoes now cost about $0.34 per kilogram. Earlier, in the spring, they reached $0.50 to $0.70. Now the price is normal,” Zhumangarin said. Earlier this year, The Times of Central Asia reported that due to frenzied demand, restrictions on potato sales to individual buyers were introduced in Astana and other major cities. At the peak of the shortage, prices reached as high as $0.96 per kilogram.

Agricultural Export

New Kazakh-Chinese Lab to Streamline Agricultural Exports to China

A joint Kazakh-Chinese veterinary laboratory has opened in the East Kazakhstan region, aiming to streamline and accelerate the export of Kazakh agricultural products to China. According to the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, the facility was outfitted with modern equipment and furniture provided by the Chinese government. Accredited under Chinese and international ISO 17025 standards, the laboratory is equipped to conduct high-precision veterinary diagnostics, quality control, and food safety testing. Chinese specialists assisted with the installation and provided training for local staff. The facility can perform up to 550,000 tests annually on particularly dangerous infections, along with approximately 4,000 food safety tests. The new laboratory is expected to remove technical trade barriers and boost Kazakhstan’s export potential for agricultural and livestock products to China and other international markets. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov said: “The opening of this laboratory is the result of the strategic partnership between Kazakhstan and China, aimed at advancing science and technology and enhancing the competitiveness of domestic products. I am confident that this new facility will play a key role in ensuring the quality and safety of agricultural goods.” Kazakhstan’s agricultural exports to China have been rising steadily. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, bilateral trade in agricultural products increased by 10.5% in 2024, reaching $1.4 billion. Of that, Kazakh exports accounted for $1.05 billion, primarily consisting of animal feed, grain, oilseeds, and vegetable oil. Kazakhstan has also made progress in ensuring its meat exports meet Chinese quality and safety standards. In May 2025, Minister Saparov and Sun Meijun, head of China’s General Administration of Customs, signed the Protocol on Inspection, Quarantine, and Food Safety Requirements for the Import and Export of Poultry Meat. The agreement opened the Chinese market to Kazakh poultry products. Since 2019, Kazakhstan has aligned its veterinary standards with Chinese requirements, signing 11 bilateral protocols regulating the trade of meat and livestock products. These agreements now cover 29 categories of plant and animal goods approved for export to China. Currently, over 2,400 Kazakh enterprises are registered as exporters to China, supplying products such as safflower meal and cake, peas, lentils, and rapeseed. In 2025, Kazakhstan plans to open the Chinese market to sugar beet cake, and in 2026 to rice, mung beans, cotton, and melons. Additionally, regional restrictions related to foot-and-mouth disease and avian influenza have been lifted, further clearing the path for meat and meat product exports to China.

Agricultural Export

Kazakh Wheat Flour Enters U.S. Market

Kazakhstan has reached a new milestone in diversifying its agricultural exports with the inaugural shipment of wheat flour to the United States. A 50-ton batch recently arrived in New York, marking the beginning of what could become a regular supply channel. Marketed under the Eurasian Legacy brand, the flour is now available on Amazon and Walmart. It retails for $14.50 per 1.36 kg package on Amazon and is advertised as non-GMO and glyphosate-free. Each package bears the label “Product of Kazakhstan,” highlighting the country’s positioning as a producer of environmentally friendly, high-quality food products. According to the QazTrade Center for Trade Policy Development, monthly exports could exceed 100 tons in the near future. In addition to e-commerce platforms, discussions are underway with American restaurants, coffee shops, and major retail chains about incorporating Kazakh flour into their supply chains. In July, QazTrade opened a representative office in the United States to boost the visibility of Kazakhstani food products. “We are not limited to flour. We have already presented buckwheat, granola, talkan, chocolate, and cocoa in the United States, and partners in New York, Chicago, and Washington have tested their quality. A business mission of Kazakh producers to these cities is the next logical step. This is not only an opportunity to strengthen ties with partners but also to enter the HoReCa segment, where natural and authentic products are in demand,” said Aitmukhammed Aldazharov, CEO of QazTrade. The move into the U.S. market follows Kazakhstan’s growing grain and flour exports to Europe. For the first time, Kazakh wheat has been shipped to Belgium, Estonia, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, and the United Kingdom. Despite this growing diversification, Kazakhstan’s primary grain buyers remain Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Iran, and Azerbaijan.