Exports - The Times Of Central Asia

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Trade

EDB: Central Asian Trade Has Doubled in Five Years

Mutual trade between Central Asian countries reached $12.3 billion in 2025, nearly doubling compared to 2020, according to analysts at the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB). The figure underlines how Central Asia is increasingly emerging as a more interconnected regional market after years of relatively limited internal trade links following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Kazakhstan remains the largest participant in regional trade, accounting for 54% of all intraregional exports, valued at $6.6 billion. The country's key export commodities to the region include grain products (18%), ferrous metals (13%), crude oil and petroleum products (8%), sunflower oil (7%), and beverages (3%). The primary destination for these exports is Uzbekistan, while Kyrgyzstan recorded the fastest growth in imports from Kazakhstan, with volumes nearly tripling to $1.7 billion. Uzbekistan ranks second, accounting for 26% of regional exports, worth $3.2 billion. The largest increase in Uzbek exports was recorded in trade with Kazakhstan, where shipments grew 2.1 times. Uzbekistan’s main export products include motor vehicles and auto parts (14%), fruit and vegetables (11%), plastic products (5%), fertilizers (4%), and clothing (3%). Between them, the two largest Central Asian economies represent nearly $10 billion of exports to their neighbours, representing almost 80% of regional trade. Turkmenistan's share of exports – primarily natural gas – rose to 11%, while Kyrgyzstan's $0.9 billion of exports (half of which was unprocessed precious metals and coal) represented 7%. Tajikistan was the smallest contributor, accounting for just 3% of intraregional exports – principally zinc, lead and copper. According to EDB analysts, the rapid expansion of trade has been driven by strengthening bilateral economic cooperation among Central Asian states and efforts to simplify trade procedures. The bank said the pace of growth demonstrates that Central Asia is gradually emerging as an increasingly integrated regional market with strengthening internal economic ties. That said, analysts stressed that the current level of trade still represents only a fraction of the region’s broader economic potential. Further reductions in trade barriers, improved transport connectivity, and deeper industrial cooperation could significantly accelerate intraregional trade turnover, the report said. EDB analysts estimate that trade between Central Asian countries could increase by an additional $4 billion by 2029.

Exports

Kazakhstan Aims to Increase Non-Commodity Exports by More Than a Quarter by 2030

Kazakhstan plans to increase non-commodity exports to $52 billion by 2030, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov said during a plenary session of the Berne Union, the world’s largest international association of export credit and investment insurers. The forum, held in Central Asia for the first time, brought together representatives of international financial institutions, export credit agencies, and investors. According to Bektenov, the export target is outlined in Kazakhstan’s Trade Policy Concept. By the end of 2025, the country’s non-commodity exports totaled approximately $41 billion. The prime minister said Kazakhstan continues to expand its network of free trade agreements within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). In addition to existing agreements with Vietnam and Serbia, new arrangements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Mongolia, and Indonesia have been concluded over the past two years. Authorities are also placing particular emphasis on the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, which Kazakhstan views as one of the key trade corridors connecting Asia and Europe. “Our head of state consistently places special emphasis on improving the business climate. Today, Kazakhstan, as the largest economy in the Central Asian region, continues the structural transformation of its national economy,” Bektenov said. According to him, foreign direct investment into Kazakhstan increased by 14.4% to reach $20.5 billion, while investment in fixed capital rose by 13% to a record $43.5 billion. Kazakhstan’s foreign trade turnover reached $144 billion in 2025. “Today, our goods are exported to 127 countries around the world, and the list of active export product categories has approached 4,000 items,” the prime minister said. Bektenov stressed that the development of international trade, transport and logistics infrastructure, and export capacity is directly linked to improving the country’s investment attractiveness. He invited forum participants to expand cooperation with Kazakhstan in trade, investment, and infrastructure projects. Berne Union President Yuichiro Akita said Kazakhstan continues to serve as a key link in global trade routes dating back to the era of the Silk Road. “Today, the global community once again finds itself at a historical crossroads. A fundamentally different architecture of interaction is emerging, where export credit agencies are moving toward a more strategic and selective approach,” Akita said. According to him, discussions in Astana should help develop new mechanisms for international cooperation amid changes in the global economy. The Times of Central Asia previously reported that Kazakhstan also aims to increase exports of IT services to $5 billion by 2030. The government also plans to produce five or six Earth observation satellites in the coming years, some of which are intended for export.

digital economy

Kazakhstan Aims to Boost IT Services Exports to $5 Billion by 2030

Kazakhstan plans to increase its IT services exports nearly fivefold, to $5 billion by 2030, officials and industry participants said at a roundtable focused on positioning the country as a regional hub for international tech talent and digital nomads. According to official data, Kazakhstan exported IT services worth $471 million to 95 countries in the first nine months of 2025. In the final quarter of the year, that figure more than doubled, reaching $1.142 billion as of January 1, 2026. Export revenues also exceeded spending on imported digital solutions by more than 2.6 times, with imports totaling $429 million. The new export target is expected to be supported by workforce expansion and talent attraction initiatives. Representatives of Astana Hub said the country plans to train 10,000 specialists in AI by 2030. At the same time, Kazakhstan is promoting its Digital Nomad Residency program, launched in January 2025, aimed at attracting foreign IT professionals. To date, more than 700 applications from 30 countries have been submitted under the program, with over 120 specialists granted residency status. “Human capital development is the foundation on which Kazakhstan’s growth as a digital hub is built,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development Zhaslan Madiyev. “We aim to make the Digital Nomad process fully digital, transparent, fast, and convenient. The arrival of highly qualified professionals is not just a statistic, it brings international experience, new competencies, and links to global markets. Our goal is to create conditions where talented IT professionals can realize their potential here and contribute to Kazakhstan’s economy.” Participants at the roundtable, including engineers and analysts from international companies, also shared their relocation experiences and proposed improvements to digital services. Following the meeting, stakeholders agreed to continue work through a permanent working group to better adapt the program to the needs of the IT community. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed establishing a regional center for cooperation with Japan in digital transformation and artificial intelligence in Astana.

Flour Exports

Kazakhstan Tests Trans-Caspian Route for Flour Exports to U.S.

Kazakhstan has begun testing a new export route for shipping finished products to the United States via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TMTM), marking a step toward diversifying logistics and expanding the geographic reach of its exports. In early March, KTZ Express JSC organized the multimodal transport of a shipment of Kazakhstani flour along the route. The project is considered a pilot, but its results could help determine the prospects for establishing a sustainable commercial corridor. The shipment consisted of 24 tons of wheat flour. The shipper was SALAMAT Company LLP, one of Kazakhstan’s leading flour producers. Transportation is being carried out in container format using both rail and maritime infrastructure. The route includes: Kostanay to the Port of Aktau by rail Crossing the Caspian Sea to the Port of Alyat (Azerbaijan) Transit through Georgia via the Port of Poti and across the Black Sea Further maritime transport via Istanbul and the Mediterranean Sea Entry into the Atlantic Ocean with final delivery to New York The maritime segment of the route is being carried out in partnership with CMA CGM, one of the world’s largest container shipping companies. The project demonstrates that the TMTM can be used for the delivery of higher value-added products to distant markets, including the U.S. This is not the first shipment of Kazakhstani flour to the U.S. In 2025, the product had already entered the U.S. market, becoming available on platforms such as Amazon and Walmart, as well as being used by a number of bakeries. Currently, there are plans to expand distribution, including entry into the restaurant and coffee shop segments. The Kazakhstani side is also preparing to supply flour to major retail chains such as Costco, Whole Foods Market, and Trader Joe’s. According to project participants, the successful completion of the pilot shipment has confirmed the viability of the logistics model. As part of further development, there are plans to shorten the maritime segment. In particular, the option of shipping cargo directly from Istanbul to New York without additional stops at European ports is being considered, which would reduce delivery times. Officials have not yet confirmed whether the route will be established as a regular commercial channel or remain a pilot project.

Agriculture

Kyrgyzstan Moves to Expand Organic Farming but Certification Barriers Limit Exports

Kyrgyzstan is stepping up efforts to expand organic agriculture, but limited access to international certification continues to pose a major obstacle to export growth. The country currently has nine agricultural cooperatives and 30 organic farmland plots covering about 61,500 hectares. Certified organic land accounts for just over 5% of total arable land. Cooperatives operating under international standards produce crops such as cotton, herbs, apricots, and grains for export to more than 30 countries. Smaller farms, however, often rely on the Participatory Guarantee System (PGS), a low-cost, community-based certification model mainly used for domestic markets. Despite strong potential for high-value organic products, including berries and vegetables, obtaining international certification remains costly and administratively complex for small producers. To address these challenges, the government adopted a development programme for 2025-2029. The strategy aims to expand organic farmland to 200,000 hectares, transition the Issyk-Kul and Naryn regions toward predominantly organic production, and increase the share of organic products to 25% of both total agricultural output and exports. Officials view organic farming as an important tool for sustainable rural development. However, further expansion of the sector will depend largely on improving access to internationally recognized certification systems.

Natural World

Kazakhstan Plans First Legal Saiga Horn Exports

In 2026, Kazakhstan plans to begin officially exporting the horns of saiga antelopes for the first time in its history. The initial shipment is expected to total 20 tons, potentially generating tens of millions of dollars on Asian markets. The decision appears both logical and controversial. On one hand, the state has an opportunity to recover part of the funds spent on protecting the species. On the other, legalising trade could stimulate demand and once again make the saiga antelope a target for poachers. From the Brink of Extinction to a “Problem Species” In the early 2000s, the situation was critical. By 2003, only about 21,000 saigas remained in Kazakhstan. The animals were widely poached for their horns, which were sold on Asian markets. The government responded with strict measures, including a hunting ban, enhanced protection, and the establishment of specialised agencies such as Okhotzooprom, responsible for safeguarding rare and endangered wildlife. Even after 2015, when more than 200,000 animals died from pasteurellosis, conservation programs continued. The results were striking. By 2025, the saiga population had surpassed 2 million. However, this conservation success has created new challenges. Large herds have increasingly damaged agricultural land, trampling pastures and destroying crops. Farmers in affected regions have called for urgent intervention and compensation. Stockpiles and Potential Revenue In response, authorities introduced population control measures, including limited culling. At the same time, antlers accumulated in storage facilities both from legally culled animals and those seized from poachers. Today, around 20 tons of saiga horns are reportedly stored in warehouses. Maintaining these stockpiles entails budgetary costs. With black market prices reaching up to $3,000 per kilogram, the theoretical value of the reserves could approach $60 million. In practice, officials expect lower but still substantial revenue. The main buyers are expected to be in Asia, particularly China, where saiga horns are used in traditional medicine. To enter international markets, Kazakhstan must comply with the strict requirements of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This includes demonstrating that trade does not threaten the species’ survival, and ensuring full traceability of the product’s origin. Without such verification, exports will not be permitted. Why Horns Are Being Exported At first glance, domestic processing of saiga horns into pharmaceutical products might appear more profitable. In reality, this option faces significant obstacles. Scientific evidence does not show that there are any medicinal properties in saiga horns, which consist primarily of keratin, similar to human hair and nails. In addition, the traditional medicine market is highly conservative, with consumers placing greater trust in established local brands. Buyers also tend to prefer whole horns, as powdered products are easier to counterfeit. Furthermore, the saiga population remains vulnerable to disease outbreaks, which could undermine long-term investment in processing facilities. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations further limit investor interest in industries linked to wildlife exploitation. Risks of Legalisation The main concern is that legalising trade could unintentionally strengthen illegal markets. Once a product becomes legal, it...