Kazakhstan’s barley exports to China triple as shipments to Iran plunge

In September 2026, Kazakhstan saw a significant shift in its barley export destinations, with shipments to China increasing sharply while exports to Iran plunged. Deliveries to the Chinese market reached 104.7 thsd tons, three times the volume recorded in the same period last year and almost 1.8 times the August level. Meanwhile, exports to Iran fell 35-fold, from 88 thsd tons to 2.5 thsd tons, due to stronger competition from Russian barley and a substantial increase in logistics costs.

One of the main reasons for the loss of the Iranian market was a sharp rise in rail transportation and freight costs, which more than tripled. This reduced the competitiveness of Kazakh barley compared with Russian supplies. Meanwhile, China became the leading destination for Kazakhstan’s barley exports, accounting for approximately 59% of total shipments outside the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Overall, Kazakhstan exported 176.6 thsd tons of barley in September, excluding shipments to EAEU countries. Export volumes increased by 42.5% compared with August but remained 2.2% below the September 2025 level. In addition to China, shipments to Uzbekistan rose 1.4 times to 49.9 thsd tons, while exports to Tajikistan increased by 6.7% to 19 thsd tons.

At the same time, Kazakhstan is increasing barley imports from Russia amid growing domestic demand for feed grain. In September, Russian shipments reached 65 thsd tons, 1.86 times the August level. According to the Grain Union of Kazakhstan, this trend is driven by expanding livestock numbers and the need to strengthen the country’s feed supply.

Looking ahead, the development of livestock farming and grain processing could lead to structural changes in Kazakhstan’s barley market. Domestic consumption and processing are expected to increase gradually, while the crop’s export potential may decline. Future export destinations will depend on the competitiveness of Kazakh barley, transportation costs and demand from major importing countries.

Tags: barley, Iran, China, Kazakhstan