The Vice Minister of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, Ermek Kenzhekhanuuly, commented on the recent lifting of the ban on the transit of Kazakh grain through Russia and outlined alternative export routes, as reported by a correspondent from the Kapital.kz business information center.
It is worth noting that temporary restrictions on the import of Kazakh wheat into Russia were in effect from October 17, 2024, and were lifted in early February 2025.
"Currently, we are actively exploring new sales routes for our grain to reduce our dependence on the decisions made by Russian authorities," Ermek Kenzhekhanuuly stated.
He listed key routes, including transit through the Black Sea, the ports of Novorossiysk and the Baltic states, the Caspian Sea towards Azerbaijan, as well as directions to China and Uzbekistan.
"Additionally, we have the Sevi-Ryuk route, which passes through Turkmenistan to Iran," Ermek Kenzhekhanuuly mentioned after a plenary session in the Senate.
The Vice Minister emphasized that the export volumes of Kazakh grain are increasing. Last year, Kazakhstan exported approximately 8.1 million tons. Since September 2024, 5.5 million tons have already been dispatched.
Kazakhstan is actively seeking new buyers, particularly in North Africa and Asia.
"We recently visited Iran, where we met with interested buyers. Additionally, Egypt, Israel, and Morocco have shown interest in our grain," Ermek Kenzhekhanuuly reported.
The Vice Minister also projected an estimated harvest volume for the end of 2025.
"Last year, we harvested about 18 million tons of wheat. Considering all grain crops, the total volume was approximately 25 million tons. We expect exports this year to be between 10 and 12 million tons," he concluded.
It is important to recall that the ban on the import of Kazakh wheat and other quarantine products into Russia was imposed by the Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance. Temporary restrictions were introduced on the supply of wheat, lentils, and flaxseed oil from Kazakhstan to Russia, except for the transit of grain provided that the Kazakh side issues phytosanitary certificates directly for the country of final destination and transships Kazakh-origin grain from railway cars directly into the holds of the vessel. A ban was also placed on the supply of Kazakh melons. The ban also applies to vegetables from third countries: tomatoes, peppers, and sunflower seeds for sowing.
Additionally, it has been reported that Kazakhstan is ready to increase trade turnover with Iran to $3 billion per year and supply over 60 product items, including grains, sunflower oil, meat products, and other goods.