Kazakhstan's Barley Exports Surge, Strengthening its Position in the Global Grain Market

Strategic Insights -

Kazakhstan's agricultural sector has recorded a notable achievement in the 2024-2025 marketing year, with a substantial increase in barley exports. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, the country exported 1.82 million tons of barley between September 2024 and August 2025, more than doubling the volume recorded in the same period the previous season. This significant rise is attributed to a strong harvest, robust demand from major markets like Iran and China, and competitive pricing. Iran emerged as the largest buyer, importing 1.064 million tons, nearly 30 times more than the previous year.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kazakhstan's barley exports increased by 100% in the 2024-2025 marketing year, reaching 1.82 million tons, compared to 0.91 million tons in the same period the previous season.
  • The Ministry of Agriculture attributes the surge in exports to a strong harvest of 3.84 million tons, robust demand from major markets, and competitive pricing.
  • Iran emerged as the largest buyer, importing 1.064 million tons of barley, a nearly 30-fold increase from the previous year.
  • China followed with barley imports totaling 414,400 tons, while Uzbekistan imported 125,200 tons.
  • The surge in international demand has pushed up domestic barley prices, providing a boost to local producers.
  • In September 2024, prices ranged between KZT 50,000 and 52,000 per ton; by early August 2025, they had climbed to KZT 85,000-87,000 per ton.
  • The Ministry projects total barley exports for the 2024-2025 season will reach 1.9 million tons.
  • Kazakhstan's wheat exports have also seen a significant increase, with 12.4 million tons of wheat and flour exported between September 2024 and July 2025, a 34% rise compared to the 9.3 million tons exported during the same period in 2023-2024.

Statistics:

  • 1.82 million tons of barley exported by Kazakhstan between September 2024 and August 2025.
  • 3.84 million tons of barley harvested in 2024-2025.
  • 1.064 million tons of barley imported by Iran in 2024-2025, a 28-fold increase from the previous year.
  • KZT 85,000-87,000 per ton, the price of barley in early August 2025, up from KZT 50,000-52,000 per ton in September 2024.
  • 1.9 million tons, the projected total barley exports for the 2024-2025 season.
  • 12.4 million tons of wheat and flour exported by Kazakhstan between September 2024 and July 2025.
  • 34% increase in wheat exports compared to the 9.3 million tons exported during the same period in 2023-2024.

Sources:

  • Ministry of Agriculture (no date provided)
  • No external sources cited in the original text