Kazakhstan Rides Grain Wave with Record Barley Exports

Kazakhstan has significantly boosted its barley exports for the 2024-2025 marketing year, shipping 1.82 million tons between September 2024 and August 2025 - a sharp increase of 952,600 tons compared to the same period a year earlier.

The remarkable growth was driven by a strong harvest of 3.84 million tons, rising demand from key export markets such as Iran and China, and the competitive pricing of Kazakh grain, The Caspian Post reports per Kazakh media.

Iran emerged as the leading buyer, importing 1.064 million tons - nearly 30 times more than the previous season. China followed with 414,400 tons, while Uzbekistan received 125,200 tons.

The surge in foreign demand has also pushed up domestic prices.

The Agriculture Ministry forecasts total barley exports will reach 1.9 million tons by the close of the 2024-2025 season. At the same time, the domestic market remains stable, supported by strategic reserves maintained by JSC “NC” Prod Corporation, which currently holds 500,000 tons of wheat and 200,000 tons of feed grain (wheat and barley).