Kazakhstan nears record 40 trillion tenge in trade turnover
This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.
Kazakhstan's total trade turnover is approaching 40 trillion tenge, a record high, according to DKNews.kz. The growth is driven by increased exports of oil and metals, as well as rising imports of machinery and equipment. The milestone reflects the country's expanding role in regional trade corridors.
Trade Volume Growth
Kazakhstan's trade turnover reached 39.7 trillion tenge in the first half of 2026, up 12% year-on-year, according to DKNews.kz. Exports accounted for 24.5 trillion tenge, led by crude oil (62%) and copper (11%). Imports rose to 15.2 trillion tenge, with machinery and vehicles making up 38% of the total.
Key Trading Partners
China remained Kazakhstan's largest trading partner, with bilateral turnover exceeding 12 trillion tenge, a 15% increase. The European Union accounted for 9.8 trillion tenge, driven by energy exports. Russia followed at 6.5 trillion tenge, though trade growth slowed to 4% amid logistical bottlenecks.
Structural Shift
The share of non-resource exports rose to 18% of total exports, up from 14% in 2024, signaling gradual diversification. Processed goods, including petrochemicals and fertilizers, grew 22% year-on-year. However, raw materials still dominate, making the economy vulnerable to commodity price swings.
New CHP Plant Construction Without Russian Contractors
Kazakhstan has begun building a combined heat and power (CHP) plant in Kokshetau without Russian contractors, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov announced on July 15. The project proceeds without awaiting Russian financing, signaling a shift in infrastructure development strategy.
What's Next
Kazakhstan is set to release full-year trade data in January 2027, which may confirm the 40 trillion tenge milestone. Analysts caution that global demand slowdown and potential sanctions on Russian transit could temper growth in the second half.
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Kazakhstan nears record 40 trillion tenge in trade turnover
