Central Asia becomes a key market for Kazakh barley

Uzbekistan and Tajikistan significantly increased purchases of Kazakh barley in the 2025/26 marketing year and together overtook China in import volumes. Combined shipments to the two countries reached 379 thsd tons, compared with 371.8 thsd tons exported to China.

The strongest growth was recorded in Uzbekistan, where purchases rose 1.56 times to 271.4 thsd tons. Exports to Tajikistan increased by 29.3% to 107.6 thsd tons. The Grain Union of Kazakhstan links the growth to expanding livestock and poultry production in the region and stronger demand for feed grain.

At the same time, Kazakhstan’s total barley exports in 2025/26 fell by 30.9% to 1.37 mln tons. Shipments to Iran saw the sharpest decline, falling from 1.23 mln tons to 595.7 thsd tons amid stronger competition from Russian barley and more difficult logistics.

Exports to China also declined by 16.6% to 371.8 thsd tons. The main reasons include a shift by Chinese processors toward feed flour and periodic logistics and infrastructure bottlenecks at border crossings.

The Grain Union of Kazakhstan expects Central Asia’s role in barley trade to continue growing. Geographic proximity, established logistics and expanding feed demand in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan could make the two countries some of the key buyers of Kazakh grain.

Tags: Kazakhstan, barley, Asia