Kazakhstan’s Grain Exports by Rail Rise 14%

Kazakhstan exported 7.2 million tonnes of grain by rail in the first eight months of 2026, up 14% from the same period last year, according to the country’s Ministry of Transport.

During the corresponding period a year earlier, Kazakhstan shipped 6.3 million tonnes of grain to foreign markets by rail.

Central Asian countries were the largest destinations, receiving 4.8 million tonnes - 37% more than a year earlier. Shipments to Uzbekistan rose by 50% to 3.6 million tonnes, while exports to Tajikistan increased by 17% to 1 million tonnes.

Deliveries to Afghanistan recorded particularly strong growth, rising 4.4-fold to 655,000 tonnes. Rail shipments to China reached 558,000 tonnes, up 33% year on year.

Overall, Kazakhstan transported 9.3 million tonnes of grain by rail between January and August, compared with 8.2 million tonnes a year earlier - an increase of 13%.

In August alone, rail shipments reached 1.1 million tonnes, up 35% from August 2025.

The Ministry of Transport has established a dedicated working group to coordinate grain shipments. It monitors the readiness of railway infrastructure and freight wagons and works to prevent congestion and wagon delays at stations.