Kazakhstan expands animal feed exports to China amid grain import curbs

KAZAKHSTAN – Kazakhstan is rapidly scaling up exports of compound animal feed to China as demand from the neighboring country’s livestock sector surges and Beijing tightens controls on raw grain imports following a record domestic harvest.

According to Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), the national railway operator, the shift marks a strategic transformation in the country’s agricultural export structure, favoring higher-value processed goods over unprocessed grain.

During the first two months of the 2025–2026 marketing year (September–October), Kazakhstan exported 873,000 tons of grain products, including 672,000 tons of animal feed, a 3.5-fold increase compared to the same period last year. 

The boost in animal feed shipments has come even as raw grain exports slowed due to China’s customs restrictions.

China’s record grain harvest of 700 million tons this year prompted the government to tighten import rules to protect local producers. 

However, compound feed, which supports the country’s expanding livestock and poultry industries, continues to enjoy priority clearance at border crossings.

Overall, grain exports to China rose 35% year-on-year to reach 3.5 million tons between January and October 2025. Much of this growth stems from value-added products, reflecting Kazakhstan’s push to process more of its agricultural output domestically.

The Ministry of Agriculture said Kazakhstan continues to export large volumes of grain to its traditional markets across Central Asia and the Caucasus, including Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan.

Strengthening trade links through digital platforms

The export momentum is expected to gain further traction following a new agreement signed between Kazakh trade agency QazTrade and China’s Optimize Integration Group (OIG) during the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai.

The memorandum of understanding aims to develop digital trade tools and online export platforms to promote Kazakh agricultural and food products in China and beyond. 

It will also enhance logistics, payment systems, and support for exporters seeking to meet Chinese market standards.

Kazakhstan’s Minister of Trade and Integration, Arman Shakkaliyev, said the Shanghai Expo had become a vital gateway for local producers seeking entry into global markets.

“For Kazakhstan, participation in the Shanghai Expo has long become a strategic priority. This platform opens new export opportunities for domestic producers and serves as a gateway not only to China but also to other world markets,” he said.

Shakkaliyev added that the Expo’s role has grown in importance as China emphasizes expanding domestic consumption through imports.

Trade between Kazakhstan and China has doubled over the past five years, reaching US$30.2 billion in 2024. Kazakh exports have grown at the same rate, underpinned by strong performance in food, feed, and agricultural goods.

In recent years, QazTrade has facilitated export contracts worth over US$306.5 million through the Expo (approximately KZT 144 billion), including deals for meat, vegetable oils, camel milk powder, and juice products.

As part of its long-term export strategy, Kazakhstan also plans to launch an acceleration initiative to help domestic producers adapt packaging, branding, and certification processes to Chinese standards, further cementing the country’s position as a key agri-export partner for Asia’s largest economy.

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