ASTANA: Kazakhstan has set a record for its grain deliveries to China, multiplying the amount of agricultural goods exported to the country in 2023 compared to the previous year. The total of 2.2 million tons, including wheat, barley, soybeans, flax, and sunflower seeds, exceeded the 615,000 tons delivered in 2022 and surpassed the previous record of 1.2 million tons in 2019.
The surge in exports was facilitated by the relaxation of the COVID-related sanitary regime at Chinese customs crossings. Most deliveries were transported by freight trains, with approximately 500,000 tons transported by road.
Trade Between Kazakhstan and China
The return of the Chinese market has significantly benefited Kazakhstan’s farming sector, which faced challenges due to ongoing quarantine measures in China and payment difficulties with Iran, a heavily sanctioned trading partner. The reliability of China as a customer has been a positive development for Kazakh farmers.
Yevgeny Karabanov, a representative for the Grain Union of Kazakhstan, emphasized China’s importance as a huge and solvent market with reliable payment mechanisms. He sees potential for further growth in exports to China, especially considering Kazakhstan’s expanding infrastructure capabilities. The existing railway crossings and ongoing construction projects provide the capacity for increased trade.
While the prospects for deeper economic ties with China are promising, some challenges remain. Continuous communication and coordination are essential to ensuring the smooth flow of trade between the two countries.
