Regular exports are key to price stability in Kazakhstan's grain market. This factor became especially important in 2025, when the country achieved a record wheat harvest of nearly 20 million tons, compared to domestic demand of 6 million tons.
During the mass harvest, amid the threat of domestic market oversupply, JSC NC KTZ prioritized the export of grain cargoes. Thus, the national carrier quickly adjusted transport flows to maintain regular shipments and fulfill international contracts.
This yielded results: by the end of 2025, grain exports exceeded 11 million tons, an increase of 33% compared to 2024.
Growth affected all key destinations:
- 6.3 million tons of grain were shipped to Central Asian countries in 2025 (30% more than the previous year)
- Exports to the People's Republic of China reached 1.8 million tons (up 27% compared to 2024)
- Transit through Russia to seaports on the Baltic and Black Seas has become a significant factor – approximately 2.4 million tons of Kazakh grain were shipped via this route in 2025.
This expansion of sales geography was made possible by the introduction of transport subsidies. State support also supported the development of routes to the Republic of Azerbaijan and the South Caucasus countries, where there is a strong demand for Kazakh grain and its processed products.
These grain export results demonstrate that, despite persistent infrastructure constraints, the rail transportation system is seeking to balance the interests of the state, carriers, and shippers, maintaining equal access for all market participants. Thanks to this, export prices for Kazakhstani wheat remain at world levels: at the beginning of February, at the Saryagash station, grade 4 wheat was offered at up to $260 per ton, and ordinary grade 3 wheat at up to $270.