Kazakhstan grain producers earn over $500 mln thanks to export diversification

Diversification of export routes brought Kazakhstan’s farmers an additional income of over $500 million. According to Astyk Trans, grain exports in 2025 rose by 33%, from 8.26 mln tons to 11 mln tons, thanks to shipments both via traditional routes and new ports on the Black and Baltic Seas.

Access to larger and more lucrative markets allowed Kazakhstan to move from a regional local market to a global pricing model. Industry analysts report that the price of Class 3 wheat reached $188 per ton (≈95,000 tenge), 40–50% higher than previous average procurement levels, boosting domestic grain value even in regions not covered by state support programs.

A transport subsidy mechanism opened access to remote markets, setting a higher export price benchmark and prompting even traditional buyers to increase their purchase prices.

Grain Union of Kazakhstan played a major role in supporting export growth by consolidating farmers’ positions, providing analytical support, and promoting initiatives to expand sales markets. Systematic coordination among market participants created a unified approach to export diversification.

Қазақстан Темір Жолы was key in ensuring smooth logistics, increasing infrastructure capacity, developing transit routes, and synchronizing transport operations. The joint efforts of market participants and the national carrier enabled export growth without systemic disruptions.

Astyk Trans estimates the season’s export potential at around 12 mln tons (wheat and flour in grain equivalent), with an additional $40–45 earned per ton. With government transport subsidies of about $60 mln, the multiplier effect exceeded 1:8, delivering a comprehensive economic benefit to Kazakhstan’s farmers and the agribusiness sector.

Tags: Kazakhstan, export, grain, wheat