Kazakhstan’s wheat flour exports rise to 1.4 mln tons

Kazakhstan increased its wheat flour exports by 24.5% year-on-year to 1.376 mln tons in January–August 2026. According to the Union of Grain Processors of Kazakhstan, export revenue grew even faster, rising by 39.6% to $399.9 mln from $286.4 mln a year earlier. As a result, the average export value of flour increased by approximately 12%, indicating improved pricing conditions.

Afghanistan remains the largest buyer of Kazakh flour, accounting for almost 64% of total exports. During the eight-month period, shipments to Afghanistan increased by 47.5% to 874.3 thsd tons, while their value rose by 70% to $246.8 mln. The Afghan market was therefore the main driver of growth in Kazakhstan’s flour exports.

Uzbekistan remains the second-largest export destination, although shipments declined by 13% to 222.2 thsd tons. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan increased flour exports to other Central Asian countries. In particular, shipments to Kyrgyzstan rose by 14.9% to 134.4 thsd tons, to Turkmenistan by 13.3% to 80 thsd tons, and to Tajikistan by 53.1% to 45.9 thsd tons. Exports to Russia increased by 13.5%, while shipments to Belarus doubled.

Kazakhstan is also reporting strong growth in exports of feed flour and feed mixtures. In January–August 2026, shipments of these products reached 2.4 mln tons, valued at $577.6 mln. Expanding exports of feed products creates additional opportunities for grain processing companies and allows the country to increase the share of value-added products in its agricultural export structure.

The Union of Grain Processors of Kazakhstan noted that growth in both export volumes and revenue confirms the strengthening position of the country’s flour milling industry in international markets. Despite increasing competition, Kazakh companies continue to expand their export destinations and develop grain processing. The government has also identified increasing exports of processed products as one of its agricultural policy priorities, aiming to raise their share to 70%.

Tags: Kazakhstan, flour