As of 2024, Kazakhstan’s top exports reflect its rich natural resources and strategic economic initiatives. Here’s an overview of the country’s leading export commodities:
🇰🇿 Kazakhstan’s Top 10 Exports in 2024
- Crude Oil
Crude oil remains Kazakhstan’s primary export, accounting for over half of its total export revenue. In 2024, the country exported approximately 68.8 million metric tons of oil through various routes, including the Caspian Pipeline Consortium and pipelines to China. - Refined Copper and Copper Ores
Kazakhstan is a significant exporter of copper and its derivatives. Exports of refined copper and copper ores have seen substantial growth, particularly to China, driven by increased demand in various industries. - Radioactive Chemical Elements (Uranium)
The country is one of the world’s leading producers of uranium. In 2024, exports of radioactive chemical elements, including uranium, contributed significantly to Kazakhstan’s export portfolio. - Ferroalloys
Ferroalloys, essential in steel manufacturing, are among Kazakhstan’s key exports. The nation continues to be a major supplier, with substantial shipments to various countries, including China. - Grain (Wheat and Other Cereals)
Kazakhstan exported approximately 12 million tons of grain in 2024, with wheat being the predominant crop. Major importers include Central Asian countries, Iran, and China. - Gold
Gold exports remain a vital part of Kazakhstan’s economy. In 2023, gold exports were valued at $18.2 billion, reflecting the country’s significant role in the global gold market. - Vegetable Oils and Processed Agricultural Products
The agricultural sector has seen growth, with exports of vegetable oils and processed products like flour-based confectionery and meat products reaching $2.7 billion in 2024. - Aircraft and Aviation Equipment
Kazakhstan exported wide-body aircraft and related aviation equipment worth $658.9 million in 2024, primarily through leasing arrangements to countries like Ireland and Turkey. - Animal Feed and Agricultural Inputs
Exports of animal feed, including ready-made feed and feed flour, reached $168.3 million, marking a significant increase and highlighting the country’s expanding agricultural sector. - Inorganic Chemical Products
Inorganic chemical products, including various industrial chemicals, contributed $4.3 billion to Kazakhstan’s exports, underscoring the diversification of its export base beyond raw materials.
🌍 Key Export Destinations
Kazakhstan’s primary export partners in 2024 included:
- Italy: $12.9 billion (24.2% of total exports)
- China: $9.7 billion (18.3%)
- Russia: $6 billion (11.2%)
- The Netherlands: $3.2 billion (6.1%)
- France: $2.6 billion (5%)
- Turkey: $2.1 billion (4%)Kursiv Media Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan continues to leverage its natural resources while diversifying its export portfolio, aiming to strengthen its position in global markets and reduce dependency on traditional commodities.
In 2024, crude oil remained the cornerstone of Kazakhstan’s export economy, accounting for approximately 52.5% of the nation’s total export revenue. Despite a slight decline in export volumes, the country benefited from favorable oil prices, which bolstered its earnings.
📊 Key Figures for 2024
- Export Volume: Kazakhstan exported about 68.6 million metric tons of crude oil in 2024, marking a 2.7% decrease from the previous year. OilMonster+1Trend+1
- Export Revenue: Crude oil exports generated approximately $42.9 billion, contributing significantly to the nation’s total export revenue of over $81 billion. KazTAG+1qazinform.com+1
- Production: The country’s total oil production was around 88.4 million metric tons, a slight decrease from initial projections due to maintenance activities and commitments under the OPEC+ agreement. Reuters+1petrocouncil.kz+1
🛣️ Export Routes and Destinations
Kazakhstan employs multiple routes to export its crude oil:Reuters
- Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC): The primary export channel, transporting approximately 55.4 million tons of oil. Kursiv Media Kazakhstan+1Reuters+1
- Atyrau-Samara Pipeline: Handled about 8.6 million tons of exports.Kursiv Media Kazakhstan+1Euractiv+1
- Caspian Sea Shipments: Approximately 3.6 million tons were shipped via the Caspian Sea.
- Pipeline to China: Around 1.1 million tons were exported directly to China.
European countries, notably Italy, the Netherlands, France, and Germany, were significant importers of Kazakhstani crude oil. The Kazakhstan Export Blend Crude Oil (KEBCO), comparable in quality to Russia’s Urals blend, found favor among European refineries. petrocouncil.kz
🔍 Factors Influencing Export Dynamics
Several factors impacted Kazakhstan’s crude oil exports in 2024:
- Maintenance and OPEC+ Commitments: Scheduled maintenance and adherence to OPEC+ production quotas led to a slight reduction in both production and export volumes. Reuters+2Reuters+2petrocouncil.kz+2
- Infrastructure Challenges: A drone attack on a Russian pipeline, which transports Kazakh crude, temporarily disrupted exports, highlighting the vulnerability of transit routes. MarketWatch
- Strategic Diversification: To reduce dependency on Russian transit routes, Kazakhstan increased exports via the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, aiming to expand its presence in European markets. Euractiv+2Kursiv Media Kazakhstan+2
In 2024, Kazakhstan’s exports of refined copper and copper ores remained pivotal to its economy, reflecting both growth and challenges in the sector.
🟠 Refined Copper Exports
- Export Volume: Kazakhstan exported approximately 51.6 thousand metric tons of refined copper in 2024, marking a 21.3% increase compared to the previous year. statspotlight.com
- Export Value: In December 2024 alone, the export value of refined and alloyed copper reached $362.3 million, up from $316.4 million in November. CEIC Data+1CEIC Data+1
- Export Share: Refined copper and raw copper alloys accounted for 5.1% of Kazakhstan’s total exports in 2024. Statistical Committee Kazakhstan
🟤 Copper Ores and Concentrates
- Export Volume: In 2023, Kazakhstan exported 2 million tons of copper ores and concentrates, a 41% increase from 2022. IndexBox
- Export Value: The total export value of copper ores and concentrates in 2023 was $3.07 billion, with China being the primary importer. IndexBox
- Export Share: Copper ores and concentrates made up 3.9% of Kazakhstan’s total exports in 2024. Statistical Committee Kazakhstan+1IndexBox+1
🌍 Key Export Destinations
- Refined Copper: Major importers include China, Turkey, and European countries.
- Copper Ores: China is the dominant importer, followed by Russia and Uzbekistan. IndexBox+1Eximpedia+1
Kazakhstan’s significant role in the global copper market is underscored by its substantial exports of both refined copper and copper ores. The country’s strategic partnerships, especially with China, and its efforts to diversify export destinations, reflect its commitment to maintaining and enhancing its position in the global mining industry.
In 2024, Kazakhstan maintained its position as the world’s leading uranium producer, accounting for over 40% of global output. The nation’s uranium industry, primarily managed by the state-owned company Kazatomprom, experienced notable developments in production, exports, and international partnerships.Interfax+3Interfax+3Orda.kz+3
⚛️ Uranium Production and Export Performance
- Production Increase: Kazatomprom boosted its uranium production by 10% in 2024, reaching 23,270 tonnes of uranium (tU). This growth was supported by a 27% rise in the average realized price, amounting to $69.72 per pound of U₃O₈. The Ukrainian Metal+4Enerdata+4Daryo.uz+4
- Export Revenue: Uranium exports generated approximately $4.6 billion, making it the third-largest export commodity after crude oil and copper. qazinform.com
🌍 Key Export Markets and Shifting Dynamics
- Traditional Partners: Kazakhstan’s primary uranium export destinations have historically included France, Russia, China, and Canada. The Astana Times
- Market Adjustments: In early 2025, uranium export volumes experienced a significant decline, with a 78% drop compared to the same period in 2024. This decrease was attributed to reduced purchases by France and the cessation of exports to Russia. Orda.kz
- Diversification Efforts: To mitigate reliance on traditional markets, Kazakhstan expanded its uranium export destinations, including a new agreement to supply uranium to the Czech Republic. Orda.kz+1Mining Weekly+1
🚛 Export Routes and Infrastructure
- Transit Challenges: Geopolitical tensions, particularly the conflict in Ukraine, have impacted traditional supply routes to Western markets. Consequently, Kazakhstan has explored alternative transit options, such as using the Alashankou crossing through China to the port of Shanghai, aiming to bypass Russian territory. Financial Times+2Eximpedia+2Financial Times+2NucNet
🏗️ Strategic Developments and Future Outlook
- Production Expansion: Kazatomprom plans to increase uranium production by at least 7% in 2025, targeting a range of 25,000 to 26,500 tonnes. Orda.kz+5Enerdata+5Interfax+5
- Value Addition: The company is also focusing on enhancing value-added production by establishing a fuel fabrication plant with Chinese investment, aiming to move beyond exporting raw uranium concentrate. Daryo.uz
Kazakhstan’s uranium sector continues to play a pivotal role in the global nuclear energy landscape. While facing challenges such as shifting market dynamics and transit route adjustments, the country’s strategic initiatives and production capabilities position it as a key player in meeting the world’s growing uranium demand
In 2024, ferroalloys remained a cornerstone of Kazakhstan’s export economy, ranking among the nation’s top export commodities. The country is a significant global player in the ferroalloy market, particularly in the production and export of ferrochrome and ferrosilicon.
📈 Export Performance
- Export Value: Kazakhstan’s ferroalloy exports reached approximately $2.33 billion in 2023, accounting for about 2.95% of the country’s total exports. TrendEconomy
- Monthly Trends: In October 2024, ferroalloy exports were valued at $317.8 million, up from $217.3 million in September. CEIC Data
🌍 Key Export Destinations
Kazakhstan’s primary markets for ferroalloys include:The Observatory of Economic Complexity
- China: The largest importer, with imports totaling $759 million in 2023. TrendEconomy+1The Observatory of Economic Complexity+1
- Japan: Imports amounted to $548 million in 2023.
- United States: Received $271 million worth of ferroalloys in 2023. The Observatory of Economic Complexity
- Gambia: Imported $123 million in 2023. The Observatory of Economic Complexity
- Russia: Imports stood at $120 million in 2023. The Observatory of Economic Complexity
🏭 Production Dynamics
- Monthly Output: In May 2024, ferroalloy production increased by 7.3% compared to April, reaching 205,000 tons. Kaztag
- October Decline: Production fell by 13.2% in October 2024, totaling 213,500 tons, due to maintenance and market adjustments. Kaztag+1Kaztag+1
🏗️ Industrial Investments
Kazakhstan is investing in expanding its ferroalloy production capacity:
- EkibastuzFerroAlloys Plant: Located in the Pavlodar Region, this new plant has an annual capacity of 240,000 tons of ferrosilicon and represents an investment of $194 million. The Astana Times
⚠️ Policy Considerations
In 2024, Kazakhstan considered implementing export tariffs on commodities, including ferroalloys, to manage domestic supply and stabilize prices. Such measures could impact export dynamics, especially with major importers like China. S&P Global
Kazakhstan’s ferroalloy industry continues to be a vital component of its economy, with significant exports to major global markets. Ongoing investments and policy decisions will shape the future trajectory of this sector.
In 2024, Kazakhstan experienced a significant surge in grain exports, particularly wheat, solidifying its position as a major global grain supplier.
🌾 Production and Export Overview
- Record Harvest: Kazakhstan achieved a record grain harvest of 26.7 million tonnes, with 18 million tonnes attributed to wheat. Interfax
- Export Volume: Grain exports totaled 8.1 million tonnes in 2024, marking a substantial increase from previous years. The Astana Times
- Wheat Exports: Wheat exports were estimated at 10.5 million tonnes for the 2024/2025 marketing year, reflecting strong international demand. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service+4USDA Foreign Agricultural Service+4FAOHome+4
🌍 Key Export Destinations
Kazakhstan’s grain exports reached a diverse range of countries:
- Central Asia: Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan remained primary importers, with significant increases in import volumes. UkrAgroConsult
- Middle East: Exports to Iran surged 17-fold to 741,000 tonnes, while shipments to Azerbaijan reached 408,000 tonnes, the highest in five years. The Astana Times+1grainunion.kz+1
- Africa: Kazakhstan initiated wheat shipments to Morocco, utilizing a new Baltic Sea route, indicating efforts to diversify export markets. Morocco World News
🚆 Export Logistics and Routes
To accommodate the increased export volumes, Kazakhstan enhanced its grain transportation infrastructure:
- Rail Transport: Grain exports via rail saw a significant uptick, with 7.5 million tonnes transported between September 2024 and April 2025, a 56% increase compared to the same period the previous year. interfax.kz+1UkrAgroConsult+1
- Alternative Routes: Facing transit challenges through Russia, Kazakhstan explored alternative routes, including shipments through the Baltic Sea, to ensure uninterrupted grain exports. Reuters
📈 Market Dynamics and Challenges
Despite the positive export figures, Kazakhstan’s grain market faced certain challenges:
- Trade Disputes: Tensions with Russia led to disruptions in traditional export routes, prompting Kazakhstan to seek alternative pathways and markets. Reuters
- Competition: Kazakh wheat faced stiff competition from Russian wheat, which was offered at lower prices, impacting Kazakhstan’s market share in certain regions. Eurasianet
Kazakhstan’s robust grain production and strategic efforts to diversify export markets and routes have reinforced its status as a key player in the global grain industry. Continued investments in infrastructure and market expansion are likely to sustain this growth trajectory in the coming years.
In 2024, Kazakhstan solidified its position as one of the world’s leading gold producers and exporters, reflecting its growing influence in the global precious metals market.
🏭 Gold Production
- Output: Kazakhstan produced approximately 130 metric tons of gold in 2024, ranking it among the top 10 gold-producing countries globally. qazinform.com+2The Astana Times+2Investing News Network (INN)+2
- Major Mines:
- Altyntau Kokshetau: Owned by Glencore, this mine produced 603,000 ounces of gold in 2024.
- SolidCore Resources: Formerly Polymetal International, SolidCore produced 490,000 ounces of gold in 2024. The Astana Times+3Kazakhstan Today+3Caspian Post+3Kazakhstan Today+2The Astana Times+2Caspian Post+2
🌍 Gold Exports
- Export Value: In 2025, Kazakhstan’s gold exports were valued at approximately $18.2 billion, making gold one of the country’s most significant export commodities. Eximpedia
- Export Destinations: While specific countries are not detailed in the provided sources, Kazakhstan’s gold exports contribute to its trade with major partners such as Italy, China, and Russia. Eximpedia
💰 Gold Reserves and Sales
- Reserves: As of the third quarter of 2024, Kazakhstan’s gold reserves stood at 285.9 metric tons, reflecting a strong national stockpile. Central Asian Light
- Sales: In the third quarter of 2024, Kazakhstan became the world leader in gold sales, with a total volume of 12.85 metric tons sold, according to the World Gold Council. Central Asian Light
🏗️ Industry Developments
- Infrastructure Investment: Kazakhstan is investing in expanding its gold processing capabilities, including the construction of a new plant in the Pavlodar region, with an estimated cost of $978 million. Orda.kz
Kazakhstan’s robust gold production and export activities in 2024 underscore its significant role in the global gold market. With continued investments in mining infrastructure and processing facilities, the country is poised to maintain and potentially enhance its standing in the precious metals industry.
In 2024, Kazakhstan’s vegetable oil and processed agricultural products sectors experienced significant growth, underscoring the country’s expanding role in global agri-food exports.
🌻 Vegetable Oil Production and Exports
- Production Growth: Kazakhstan produced 753,000 tonnes of vegetable oil in 2024, marking a 12% increase from the previous year. Notably, sunflower oil production rose by 22.4%, reaching 138,200 tonnes. qazinform.com+2TuraNews+2Kaztag+2
- Export Expansion: Vegetable oil exports totaled 582,100 tonnes, reflecting a 12% year-over-year growth. China emerged as the largest importer, accounting for 42.4% of exports, followed by Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, and Turkmenistan. qazinform.com+1Kaztag+1
- Infrastructure Capacity: The country houses 88 vegetable oil refinery plants with a combined processing capacity of 4 million tonnes annually, primarily located in East Kazakhstan, North Kazakhstan, and the Abai regions. Kaztag+2qazinform.com+2Ice+2
🥩 Processed Agricultural Products
- Export Value: Processed agricultural exports increased by 14.9%, reaching $2.7 billion. Key products included vegetable oil, flour-based confectionery, sausages, beef, and lamb. 4Vlastinfo+2The Astana Times+2grainunion.kz+2
- Export Share: Processed goods constituted 52% of Kazakhstan’s total agricultural exports, a rise from 42% in the previous year, indicating a strategic shift towards value-added products. grainunion.kz
- Global Reach: Kazakhstan’s agricultural exports spanned 66 countries, with significant markets in Central Asia, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), Iran, Türkiye, China, and the European Union. Evrim Ağacı+44Vlastinfo+4grainunion.kz+4
🚆 Export Logistics and Routes
- Railway Shipments: Between September 2024 and February 2025, Kazakhstan set a record for railway shipments of vegetable oil and high-tech animal feed to China. Vegetable oil exports during this period amounted to 93,000 tonnes, a 19% increase compared to the same period in the previous marketing year. railways.kz+1Report İnformasiya Agentliyi+1
Kazakhstan’s concerted efforts to enhance its vegetable oil production and diversify its processed agricultural exports have positioned the country as a significant player in the global agri-food market. With continued investments in processing infrastructure and strategic trade partnerships, Kazakhstan is poised to further solidify its status in the international agricultural sector.
In 2024, Kazakhstan’s aircraft and aviation equipment sector experienced notable developments, reflecting the country’s ambitions to enhance its aerospace capabilities and expand its presence in the global aviation market.
✈️ Aircraft Exports Surge
Despite not having a fully developed aviation manufacturing industry, Kazakhstan saw a significant increase in aircraft exports in 2024. According to customs statistics, the country exported 20 aircraft, making aviation equipment the eighth-largest export category. This surge is attributed to strategic partnerships and the re-export of aircraft through Kazakhstan’s logistics networks. Central Asian Light
🛠️ Domestic Production and Joint Ventures
Kazakhstan has been actively pursuing joint ventures to bolster its domestic aircraft production:
- Flight Design and Virazh FDCT: In September 2024, German aircraft manufacturer Flight Design announced a joint venture with Kazakh partner Virazh FDCT to expand ultralight and general aviation aircraft production in Kazakhstan. FLIGHT DESIGN
- Kazakhstan and Russia Collaboration: Earlier agreements between Kazakhstan’s Aviation Industry and Russia’s Ural Civil Aviation Plant aimed to manufacture the new light multipurpose aircraft Baikalat, indicating ongoing efforts to develop local aviation manufacturing capabilities. The Tribune
🛡️ Military Aviation Enhancements
Kazakhstan made significant strides in modernizing its military aviation assets in 2024:The Diplomatic Insight+1Caspian Post+1
- Airbus A400M Acquisition: The country received its first Airbus A400M Atlas military transport aircraft in December 2024, marking a substantial upgrade to its airlift capabilities. A second A400M is scheduled for delivery in 2026. World of Aviation+1Aviation News:+1
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): Kazakhstan initiated the production of Turkish ANKA drones domestically, enhancing its surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Army Recognition
- Fleet Modernization: The Kazakh Air Defense Forces continued to operate a diverse fleet, including Su-27 and Su-30SM fighters, Su-25 attack aircraft, and various transport and trainer aircraft, reflecting ongoing efforts to maintain a robust and versatile air force. Wikipedia
📈 Civil Aviation Growth
Kazakhstan’s civil aviation sector also experienced growth:
- Fleet Expansion: The national fleet expanded with the addition of Airbus A320 NEOs and plans to introduce ATR-72 and Bombardier Q-400 aircraft to enhance regional connectivity. Airline Routes & Ground Services
- Passenger Traffic: Between January and July 2024, 8.3 million passengers traveled by air within Kazakhstan, representing a 14% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. The Times Of Central Asia
Kazakhstan’s advancements in both military and civil aviation sectors in 2024 underscore its commitment to developing a comprehensive and self-reliant aerospace industry. Through strategic partnerships, infrastructure investments, and modernization efforts, the country is positioning itself as a significant player in the regional aviation landscape.
In 2024, Kazakhstan’s animal feed and agricultural inputs sectors experienced significant growth, driven by increased production, export expansion, and strategic investments.
🐄 Animal Feed Sector
📈 Export Performance
- Record Growth: Kazakhstan’s animal feed exports reached approximately 1.2 million metric tons in 2024, marking a 5.5-fold increase compared to 2023. statspotlight.com
- Monthly Highlights: In December 2024 alone, exports amounted to 154.2 K MT, a 25.8% increase from the previous month. statspotlight.com+2statspotlight.com+2statspotlight.com+2
- Key Markets: China emerged as a significant importer, with compound feed exports increasing fivefold between September 2024 and February 2025, reaching 748,000 tons. Report İnformasiya Agentliyi
🧾 Market Outlook
- Projected Growth: Exports are expected to reach 16.5 million kilograms by 2028, up from 14.5 million kilograms in 2023, reflecting an average annual growth rate of 2%. ReportLinker
- Domestic Consumption: Barley consumption for animal feed is estimated at 1.7 million metric tons for MY 2023/2024, indicating robust domestic demand. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
🌱 Agricultural Inputs
💸 Investment Initiatives
- Financing Boost: The Kazakh agricultural sector received record-breaking concessional financing of 580 billion tenge (approximately $1.14 billion) in 2024, aimed at providing loans to farmers, reducing interest rates, and facilitating forward purchases. LinkedIn
- Future Plans: Anticipated financing is expected to increase to 700 billion tenge (around $1.37 billion) in 2025, signaling continued support for agricultural development. LinkedIn
🌾 Crop Production
- Wheat Harvest: Kazakhstan’s wheat production for MY 2024/2025 is estimated at 15.8 million metric tons, maintaining a strong output despite trade challenges. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
- Barley Production: Barley production remains steady at 3.4 million metric tons, with exports projected at 1.6 million metric tons. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service
Kazakhstan’s advancements in animal feed exports and agricultural input investments underscore its commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector. With continued support and strategic partnerships, the country is poised to enhance its position in the global agricultural market.
In 2024, Kazakhstan’s inorganic chemical industry experienced significant growth, solidifying its position as a key player in the global chemical market.
📊 Export Performance
- Export Value: Inorganic chemical exports reached $4.3 billion, accounting for 5.5% of Kazakhstan’s total exports. This marks a 21.3% year-over-year increase, making it the third-fastest-growing export category. World’s Top Exports
- Key Products: Kazakhstan’s exports included uranium, aluminum oxides, inert gases, chromium oxides, phosphoric acids, and carbides. The Astana Times
🏭 Domestic Production and Investments
- Industry Growth: The chemical industry grew by 7.7% in 2024, with petrochemical production surging over 50%. el.kz+3el.kz+3The Astana Times+3
- New Projects: Kazakhstan launched eight chemical industry projects worth $27 million, focusing on products like ammonium sulfate, sodium cyanide, and liquid nitrogen. The Astana Times+1KazTAG+1
- Investment Plans: The government approved a $15 billion investment plan to accelerate petrochemical development, aiming to increase output to 1.8 million tons by 2030. The Astana Times+2qazinform.com+2ChemAnalyst+2
🌍 Strategic Importance
Kazakhstan’s focus on expanding its inorganic chemical sector is part of a broader strategy to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on oil exports. The development of this sector supports other industries such as agriculture, mining, metallurgy, and construction. el.kz+1The Astana Times+1
Kazakhstan’s advancements in the inorganic chemical industry in 2024 underscore its commitment to economic diversification and industrial growth. With substantial investments and strategic projects underway, the country is poised to enhance its position in the global chemical market.