Kazakhstan Expands Grain Export Markets, Eyes Increased Processing Capacity

Astana, Kazakhstan – Kazakhstan is actively expanding its grain export markets beyond traditional destinations, reaching new customers in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, according to a statement by the Minister of Agriculture, Aidarbek Saparov. This expansion comes alongside a strong harvest and significant investment in grain processing infrastructure.

Saparov announced that the 2025 harvest yielded 27.1 million tons of grain from 16 million hectares, marking one of the most productive years in recent history. The average yield reached 17 centners per hectare, with wheat production totaling 20.3 million tons – a 500,000-ton increase compared to the previous year.

“We plan to maintain the level of wheat exports. This year, we have begun supplies to markets that traditionally did not accept Kazakh grain, as well as to Belgium, Portugal, Poland, Norway, the United Kingdom, Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates, and also to Morocco, Algeria and Egypt in North Africa. In addition, we have resumed supplies to Iran, Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia,” Saparov stated.

Kazakhstan exported 13.4 million tons of grain during the marketing year from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025, a 47% increase compared to the 2023-2024 season. Early exports of the new harvest have already reached 2.2 million tons, representing a 21% year-on-year increase.

Investment in Grain Processing

To support long-term export potential and value-added production, Kazakhstan is implementing five major investment projects focused on deep grain processing. The Ministry of Agriculture estimates these initiatives will add approximately 2.5 million tons of annual grain processing capacity.

A significant project involves a $1.5 billion investment from Chinese company Hopefull Grain & Oil Group to construct a deep grain processing plant in the Akmola region. The project was discussed between Deputy Minister Yermek Kenjehanuly and Hopefull project head Yao Yao.

The project will be implemented in two phases. The first phase will involve the construction of a combined heat and power plant for renewable energy generation. The second phase will launch a high-tech plant producing citric acid, glucose-fructose syrups, bioethanol, and protein concentrates. The company is also considering establishing an industrial park equipped with transport, energy, and engineering infrastructure.

Focus on the Chinese Market

Kazakhstan is also aiming to increase grain exports to China to two million tons annually, complementing its growing influence in European and Middle Eastern markets.

Source: The Times of Central Asia