BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 28. Kazakhstan exported
193,629 metric tonnes of refined copper and unwrought copper alloys
in January-May 2026, up 17.2% compared to 165,260 tonnes recorded
in the same period of 2025, according to data from the country's
National Bureau of Statistics.
In value terms, exports amounted to $2.307 billion, increasing
by 58.6% compared to $1.454 billion in January-May 2025.
Türkiye was the largest destination for Kazakh copper exports,
accounting for 105,598 tonnes. It was followed by China with 65,369
tonnes and the UK with 15,939 tonnes. Kazakhstan also exported
3,175 tonnes to the UAE and 3,101 tonnes to Thailand.
The growth in copper exports comes as Kazakhstan seeks to expand
processing capacity and increase the share of higher-value-added
products in its industrial output.
The Ministry of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan expects
metallurgical output to grow by 3% in 2026, with non-ferrous
metallurgy and the launch of new processing facilities identified
as key growth drivers. In 2026, the main contribution to growth in
non-ferrous metallurgy is expected to come from copper production,
which is planned to reach 502,100 tonnes, up 6.6%.
The country expects the launch of new copper production
projects, including Shagala Mining with planned output of 5,000
tonnes and BMT Holding Limited with an additional 6,600 tonnes. In
addition, Kyzyl Aray Copper is expected to reach full production
capacity, increasing copper output by another 15,000 tonnes.
The OECD Directorate for Communications told Trend Kazakhstan has an
opportunity to move beyond raw material extraction and develop
higher-value-added production across supply chains.
"As global demand grows for minerals needed for the energy
transition, Kazakhstan has an opportunity to move beyond extraction
and strengthen higher-value-added activities across supply chains.
The country also has strong potential to develop as a regional
logistics and connectivity hub linking Europe and Asia," the OECD
said.
