The increase in grain exports was discussed at a meeting of the government of Kazakhstan. Managing Director of JSC NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy Bauyrzhan Urynbasarov reported that 6.6 million tons of grain were shipped in the first nine months of 2024, which is 21% less than in the same period last year. At the same time, the export of flour and other milled products amounted to 2.7 million tons, an increase of 21%.
Of the total grain volume, 5 million tons were exported, with 900 thousand tons in September alone. Milled products were exported in the amount of 2.1 million tons, of which 310 thousand tons were shipped in September. The transportation of grain in covered wagons increased by 75%, while deliveries in containers decreased by 26%.
“The main countries of supply of Kazakhstani grain are Central Asia (2.9 million tons), China (1.3 million tons), Afghanistan (127 thousand tons), these are the volumes for the first nine months of this year. It is worth noting that after a relative lull, grain supplies to Iran have resumed – 211 thousand tons, of which 140 thousand tons – in September alone. 423 thousand tons were sent to other countries – Italy, Turkey and Russia. From January to September, 495 thousand tons were shipped to the main countries of supply of milled products in Central Asia, China – 639 thousand tons, Afghanistan – 666 thousand tons,” Bauyrzhan Urynbasarov informed.
A significant part of the grain is sent to China through the Khorgos and Alashankou stations to the bonded zone of the XUAR, where there are no duties. Kazakhstani wheat mainly supplies the border and central provinces of China.