Active exports of Kazakh grain in early 2026 led to a significant price increase. Who became the main buyer of agricultural products from Kazakhstan?
According to KTZ, 5,867,000 tons of grain were shipped by rail from Kazakhstan in the first five months of the current agricultural season (September 2025-January 2026). This is 1,052,000 tons more than in the same period last season.
Uzbekistan was the largest buyer, receiving 2,704,000 tons of grain. Tajikistan was second with 706,000 tons. China rounded out the top three with 474,000 tons. Afghanistan received 416,000 tons, and Iran received 343,000 tons (including through the ports of Aktau and Kuryk).
Other buyers include Kyrgyzstan (169,000 tons), Azerbaijan (161,000 tons), and Turkmenistan (17,000 tons).
1,042,000 tons of grain were exported to distant markets, most of which—994,000 tons—via Russian ports. This sales channel is supported by transport subsidies, which have been re-paid to exporters since the beginning of 2026.
As of early February, export prices for Kazakh wheat to Central Asia (DAP Saryagash) were as follows: grade 4 wheat $235 per ton, ordinary grade 3 wheat (23% gluten) $240 per ton, and high-quality grade 3 wheat (25% gluten) $245 per ton.
On the domestic market, ordinary "three" wheat costs 95,000 tenge per ton (including VAT).