Kazakhstan Expands Global Trade While Trade with EAEU Declines

Kazakhstan’s total foreign trade turnover increased by 1.3% in 2025 to $143.9 billion, while trade with member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) declined slightly, according to data from the Bureau of National Statistics of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Trade with EAEU countries amounted to $30.9 billion, down 0.1% in nominal terms. In real terms (adjusted for inflation), the decline was more pronounced at 9.6%. Overall foreign trade turnover in real terms fell by 9.4%.

Exports totaled $79 billion, decreasing by 3.2% year-on-year in nominal terms and by 13.8% in real terms. Imports, by contrast, rose to $64.8 billion, up 7.4% nominally, though down 3.4% in real terms.

China Becomes Kazakhstan’s Largest Trading Partner

China emerged as Kazakhstan’s top trading partner in 2025, accounting for 23.7% of total trade, or $34.1 billion. Russia ranked second with a 19% share ($27.4 billion), followed by Italy at 11.8% ($16.9 billion).

Italy is traditionally listed as the main buyer of Kazakh oil; however, much of the crude is shipped through Italian ports and then re-exported to other countries.

The statistics also reflect a reporting lag: the Bureau of National Statistics publishes crude oil export data with a three-month delay. Current figures include shipments from October 2024 through September 2025.

Export and Import Structure

Top export destinations in 2025 were:

• Italy - 19.8%

• China - 19.2%

• Russia - 10.3%

Main suppliers of goods to Kazakhstan were:

• Russia - 29.7% of imports

• China - 29.2%

• Germany - 4.8%

Overall, the data indicate a gradual shift in Kazakhstan’s external trade toward global markets, alongside a relative decline in the role of regional trade within the EAEU.

Source: Bureau of National Statistics of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Orda.kz.