In 2024, Kazakhstan resumed grain exports to Iran and Azerbaijan, with shipment volumes increasing significantly, Kazakhstan Today reports.
- Exports to Iran increased 30-fold, reaching 435,000 tons.
- Shipments to Azerbaijan grew 1.8 times, totaling 211,000 tons.
According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture, 10.6 million tons of grain were transported by rail in 2024, of which 8.1 million tons were exported.
In December, the Kazakh government announced that the country is considering supplying up to 2 million tons of grain to Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and countries in North Africa and the EU via the Black Sea and Baltic Sea ports.
Suspension of Kazakh Grain Exports to Iran and Azerbaijan
In September 2023, Kazakhstan suspended grain shipments to these countries due to several factors:
- Competition with Russian grain: More affordable Russian grain displaced Kazakh exports from traditional markets, including Iran.
- Logistical difficulties: Transportation and transit issues through neighboring countries may have contributed to the temporary suspension.
Kazakhstan’s Grain Exports to Other Countries
Beyond Iran and Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan also increased grain exports to other nations:
- Uzbekistan: Up 45%, reaching 1.5 million tons.
- Tajikistan: Up 57%, totaling 633,000 tons.
- Afghanistan: Up 51%, reaching 190,000 tons.
- China: Up 2%, totaling 592,000 tons.
The resumption and expansion of grain exports highlight Kazakhstan’s recovery and strengthening of trade ties with neighboring countries, as well as the growing competitiveness of Kazakh agricultural products in international markets.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
January 16, 2025