Kazakhstan's grain exports increased by 33% in 2025, from 8.26 million tons to 11 million tons. Shipments were made both along traditional routes and through new ones, including ports on the Black and Baltic Seas. As a result of this increased trade, grain purchase prices on the domestic market increased, allowing farmers to earn over $500 million in additional income, according to the press service of Astyk Trans.
"According to industry analysis, the price of grade 3 wheat reached $188 per ton (approximately 95,000 tenge), which is 40-50% higher than the previous average purchase price (approximately 65,000 tenge). The expansion of export opportunities has led to an increase in the domestic price of grain throughout the country, including in regions not covered by direct government support measures," the company emphasized.
These results were achieved thanks to the introduction of subsidies for transportation costs. Kazakhstani grain traders gained access to remote markets, and competition for Kazakh grain intensified. Even traditional buyers were forced to adjust their purchase prices upward.
Astyk Trans emphasized that the Kazakhstan Grain Union made a significant contribution to the export dynamics, ensuring the consolidation of agricultural producers' positions, providing analytical support, and promoting initiatives to expand sales markets. In turn, the national company Kazakhstan Temir Zholy ensured infrastructure capacity, the development of transit routes, and the synchronization of the transportation process.
"The joint efforts of market participants and the National Carrier enabled volume growth without systemic disruptions," the company emphasized.
The export potential for the entire 2024-25 season is estimated at 12 million tons (wheat and flour in grain equivalent). Additional income per ton amounted to $40-45, providing farmers with over $500 million in additional revenue. Meanwhile, government spending on transport subsidies amounted to approximately $60 million, with a multiplier effect of 1:8. In turn, increased income for agricultural producers allows for the development of investment activity in the agricultural sector and increases the stability of the grain market.
Astyk Trans views the development of export logistics and the diversification of sales markets as a strategic tool for strengthening the profitability of Kazakhstani farmers and ensuring the sustainability of the agro-industrial complex. Consolidating the efforts of businesses, industry associations, and the national carrier is a key factor in the long-term competitiveness of the grain sector in the Republic of Kazakhstan," the company concluded.