Kazakhstan plans to increase vegetable oil and meal exports to China to 1 mln tons

Kazakhstan plans to increase exports of vegetable oils and oilseed processing products to China to 1 mln tons over the next two seasons. According to the National Association of Oilseed Processors of Kazakhstan (NAPMK), shipments of these products to the Chinese market totaled 657 thsd tons worth more than $438 mln last season. The expected export growth is linked to an expanding raw material base, increased processing capacity and improved rail logistics.

Over the past three seasons, Kazakhstan has increased exports of vegetable oils, oilseed meal and oilcake to China more than 3.7-fold. In 2025, the country became China’s second-largest supplier of sunflower oil and ranked among the top three exporters of sunflower meal to the Chinese market. In addition, Kazakhstan remained among China’s five largest suppliers of rapeseed oil in 2024–2025, strengthening its position in one of the world’s largest vegetable oil markets.

Cooperation between oilseed processors and the national railway operator Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) has played an important role in expanding exports. Since February 2024, the association has been working to improve the implementation of rail shipment plans for vegetable oil deliveries to China via the Dostyk–Alashankou border crossing. During this period, the fulfillment rate of approved shipment plans has exceeded 90%, compared with less than 40% in 2023. This has improved the reliability of deliveries and enabled more efficient use of railway infrastructure.

In spring 2026, NAPMK, together with KTZ and the Chinese railway administration, launched pilot shipments of pelleted sunflower meal in grain hopper wagons. According to the association, the new transport scheme is already delivering positive results and creating additional opportunities to increase feed product exports. The commissioning of new oil extraction and processing facilities in Kazakhstan is also expected to support further growth in shipments.

Kazakh oilseed processors are presenting their prospects for expanding trade with China at the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE), held in Shanghai on November 5–10, 2026. Kazakhstan’s national stand showcases vegetable oils, fats and other oilseed processing products that are in demand in the Chinese market. NAPMK expects that increased domestic production and further logistics development will allow exports to reach 1 mln tons within two seasons.

Tags: China, Kazakhstan, vegetable oils, oilseeds, edible oils, meal