In the first half of 2024 the total volume of food imports into Kazakhstan reached $2.4 billion USD, which is 45% higher than the figures for 2021.
However, the physical volume of imports remained relatively stable at around 3.5-3.6 million tons, indicating a significant increase in the cost of imported goods.
Main Suppliers: Russia and CIS
The CIS countries, led by Russia, continue to dominate the market, accounting for 60% of the total import volume, with Russia’s share at 43%. Despite geopolitical instability and sanctions, supplies remain high, highlighting the strategic importance of these countries as key trade partners in the agri-food sector.
New Trends: Uzbekistan and Belarus
Changes in the dynamics of supplies from Uzbekistan and Belarus are noteworthy. While Uzbekistan has reduced its supplies from 8% to 5%, Belarus, on the other hand, has increased its share from 5% to 6%, thanks to an active export policy, particularly in the dairy products segment.
Rising Influence of Asia and China
The role of Asia and China has noticeably increased, with their share growing from 14% in 2021 to 16% in 2024, and from 6% to 7% respectively. Strengthening trade ties and the growth of agricultural exports make China an increasingly significant supplier, offering products at competitive prices.
European Union: Expanding Interaction
Special attention should be paid to the growth of the European Union’s share from 9% in 2021 to 15% in 2024, driven by active supplies of food products from Spain and Poland, which are associated with high quality and diversification of food sources.
Conclusion
The analysis shows Kazakhstan’s efforts to diversify its food supply sources, which is critically important in the context of global inflation. Maintaining the stability of physical volumes while increasing the cost of imports underscores the need to adapt to changing economic realities and search for new reliable partners.
By Yernar Serik
Trade Policy Expert
