Kazakhstan Ministry: Afghanistan Key Market for Wheat and Flour Exports

Kazakhstan's Ministry of Agriculture stated that the country achieved a record grain harvest for the second consecutive year, with Afghanistan remaining one of its most important markets for wheat and flour alongside Central Asian countries.

According to the ministry's press service, in 2025 Kazakhstan harvested 25.9 million tons of grain at an average yield of 16.3 centners per hectare, including 19.3 million tons of wheat. Exports of grain and flour reached 15.3 million tons equivalent during the 2024-2025 marketing year, a 60% increase from the previous year. In the 2026 marketing year to date, exports total 8.5 million tons, 14% higher than the same period in 2025.

Ministry officials highlighted strong traditional demand for Kazakh grain in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan. Kazakhstan has expanded its markets to include Vietnam, the United Arab Emirates, some North African countries, and resumed shipments to Iran, Azerbaijan and Georgia.

High-quality durum and high-protein wheat is exported primarily to European markets, while flour shipments to China hit 2.9 million tons in 2025, 2.4 times the 2024 volume. Kazakhstan ranks 10th globally in wheat exports and ninth in barley exports. The country produces more than 3 million tons of flour annually, exporting 1.8 million tons to main markets including Central Asia, Afghanistan, Russia and China.

Kazakh agricultural products are now exported to over 72 countries. The value of agricultural exports rose from $3.8 billion to $7 billion over the past five years, with 36.9% growth in 2025 alone. Processed products make up more than 51% of total agricultural exports. Officials said Kazakhstan plans to begin production of glutamine and starch.