Afghanistan ready to import up to 1 mln tons of corn from Kazakhstan annually

Kazakhstan plans to increase grain shipments to the Afghan market and establish corn exports to the country, according to APK News. During the Kazakh-Afghan business forum in Shymkent, a bilateral meeting took place between Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumanarin and Afghanistan’s Minister of Trade and Industry Nuriddin Azizi, attended by representatives of the public sector, financial institutions, and business. The parties discussed the development of trade and economic cooperation, with a focus on expanding grain deliveries to Afghanistan.

As reported by Asilkhan Dzhuwashev, Chairman of JSC “NC Prodcorporation,” in September, with support from the Kazakhstan Trade House in Herat, negotiations were held for Kazakh and Afghan entrepreneurs. The talks resulted in agreements worth over USD 100 million, and Kazakh exporters have already sent 50,000 tons of grain to Afghanistan under the signed contracts.

Given Kazakhstan’s strong grain harvest, there are good prospects for increasing deliveries to the Afghan market. The Beyneu Grain Terminal in Mangistau region, which shipped pilot batches this year, is expected to play a key role. In 2026, handling volumes at the terminal are expected to grow, including shipments to Afghanistan.

Afghanistan has expressed readiness to purchase not only wheat but also about 1 million tons of corn annually. Traditionally, Kazakhstan exports 1.5–2 million tons of grain and flour to Afghanistan each year. The main transport route passes through Uzbekistan, but alternative transit via Turkmenistan is also being considered to ensure supply stability. Government programs reimbursing exporters’ transportation costs will provide additional support, strengthening Kazakh agribusiness positions in the Afghan market.

Tags: corn, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan