BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 20. Kazakhstan's
exports grew by 19.5% year-on-year in January-August 2026, more
than four times the 4.5% increase in imports, with the country's
trade surplus reaching $17.8 billion, according to data from the
Ministry of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan's foreign trade turnover reached $103 billion in the
first eight months of 2026, up 12.8% compared to the same period in
2025.
Exports totaled $60.4 billion, while imports amounted to $42.6
billion. The trade surplus widened to $17.8 billion, compared with
$9.8 billion in January-August 2025.
The country's agricultural sector recorded notable export
growth, with increases in both agricultural raw materials and
processed products.
Exports of sunflower oil rose by 48.5% year-on-year to $672.8
million. In physical terms, shipments increased by 35.9% to 611,400
tons.
In 2025, Kazakhstan ranked among the world's top six sunflower
oil exporters and was the second-largest supplier to China. The
country also ranked among the top three suppliers of sunflower meal
to the European Union and China and supplies a significant share of
demand in Central Asian countries, according to the ministry.
Wheat exports increased by 26.5% to $1.25 billion. More than 5.5
million tons of grain were shipped abroad, up 13.8% compared to the
same period last year.
Exports of wheat and wheat-rye flour reached $400 million, an
increase of 36%. In volume terms, shipments grew by 22.8% to 1.38
million tons.
Flaxseed exports more than doubled in value, rising 2.3 times to
$387.8 million. Physical shipments increased 2.5 times to 780,800
tons.
Exports of prepared animal feed products also increased. Their
value rose by 60.8% to $577.6 million, while shipment volumes grew
by 44.2%.
Combined exports of sunflower oil, flour and prepared animal
feed products reached $1.65 billion, up approximately 48% in value
compared to January-August 2025, reflecting growth in exports of
processed agricultural products.
Outside agriculture, export revenues from metals and mining
products also increased. Shipments of copper and copper cathodes
rose by 55.7% to $3.9 billion, while uranium exports increased by
26.9% to $3.1 billion.
On the import side, Kazakhstan increased purchases of industrial
and energy equipment. Imports of electric generating sets rose by
86.5% to $916.5 million, while imports of turbojet and turboprop
engines, including gas turbines, increased 3.3 times to $611
million.
China remained Kazakhstan's largest trading partner, with
bilateral trade reaching $23.3 billion in January-August 2026,
accounting for 22.7% of the country's total foreign trade turnover.
Russia ranked second at $18.3 billion, followed by Italy at $11.8
billion. Together, the three countries accounted for more than half
of Kazakhstan's foreign trade.
Italy was Kazakhstan's largest export destination, with
shipments totaling $10.9 billion, slightly ahead of China at $10.7
billion. Russia remained the largest supplier of imported goods to
Kazakhstan, with imports amounting to $13.2 billion.
"The growth in exports of agricultural products, primarily
sunflower oil, flour and prepared animal feed, indicates an
expansion in supplies of value-added goods and the potential for
further strengthening the position of Kazakh products in foreign
markets," the ministry said.
Kazakhstan is seeking to diversify its exports by reducing
dependence on a narrow range of commodities and expanding supplies
of non-resource goods to foreign markets. Kazakhstan's Vice
Minister of Trade and Integration Aset Nusupov told Trend in an
exclusive interview that the country sees significant potential for
expanding cooperation with Azerbaijan in the agro-industrial and
industrial sectors.
"Kazakhstan is one of the largest producers of grain, oilseeds
and meat, while Azerbaijan represents a growing market; therefore,
the potential for mutual food trade remains significantly
underutilized," Nusupov said.
