Kazakhstan more than halves potato imports while increasing purchases from Egypt

Kazakhstan more than halved its imports of table potatoes in the MY 2025/26 (July–June), reducing volumes from 167 thsd tons to 74 thsd tons. Meanwhile, Egyptian potato shipments to Kazakhstan increased almost 18-fold, from 220 tons in 2024/25 to around 4 thsd tons in 2025/26. This was reported by EastFruit as part of an FAO and EBRD project aimed at diversifying export markets for fruit and vegetable products.

Kazakhstan is a major potato producer and exporter, shipping 300–500 thsd tons annually to foreign markets. However, fluctuations in harvest volumes and domestic stocks periodically create demand for imports. In the 2024/25 season, declining stocks led to a sharp increase in overseas purchases, allowing new suppliers, including Egypt, to enter the Kazakh market. Although total imports declined in the following season, Egyptian exporters managed to significantly expand their presence.

One of Egypt’s main advantages is the seasonal timing of its shipments. Egyptian potatoes enter Central Asian markets during winter and spring, when stocks from the previous harvest are declining and new locally grown potatoes are not yet available in significant volumes. These potatoes are often marketed as early-season produce and can command higher prices. In 2025, Egypt exported nearly 1 mln tons of potatoes worth approximately $500 mln, making potatoes the country’s third-largest fruit and vegetable export product after oranges and frozen strawberries.

Additional opportunities for Egyptian suppliers emerged as trade with Iran and Pakistan became more difficult amid escalating tensions in the Middle East in 2026. Meanwhile, security risks in the Black Sea region are encouraging exporters to seek alternative logistics routes. One promising option is a transport corridor through the Caucasus and across the Caspian Sea, using Georgia’s port of Poti, which could provide additional opportunities for Egyptian exports to Central Asia.

The market’s potential is also supported by strong demand for imported potatoes in neighboring Uzbekistan, which purchases 500–700 thsd tons annually from foreign suppliers. During an FAO and EBRD trade mission to Tashkent in May 2024, exporters from Egypt and Morocco held discussions with Central Asian importers on expanding shipments of potatoes and other fruit and vegetable products. Further development of transport routes and trade links could help Egyptian suppliers increase their presence in Kazakhstan and neighboring markets.

Tags: Kazakhstan, potato, Egypt