Kazakhstan fish exports rise 35.7% in H1 2026, imports fall 12.8%

September 2, 2026 at 11:21 AM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

Kazakhstan's exports of processed and canned fish, crustaceans and molluscs rose 35.7% in the first half of 2026 to 12,900 tonnes, according to the Bureau of National Statistics. Imports of the same products fell 12.8% over the same period. Domestic sales of processed fish declined 16.9% to 45,100 tonnes as producers shifted toward foreign markets.

Key Facts

Kazakhstan exported 12,900 tonnes of processed and canned fish, crustaceans and molluscs in January–June 2026, a 35.7% increase from the same period in 2025.
Imports of processed and canned fish, crustaceans and molluscs fell 12.8% in the first half of 2026.
Domestic sales of processed and canned fish, crustaceans and molluscs dropped 16.9% to 45,100 tonnes in January–June 2026.
Exports of frozen freshwater fish rose 69.2% to 5,600 tonnes in the first half of 2026, with value up 2.2 times.
Exports of freshwater fish fillets increased 36.8% to 4,200 tonnes, with key buyers in Denmark, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Poland.

Export Surge

Kazakhstan's exports of processed and canned fish, crustaceans and molluscs reached 12,900 tonnes in January–June 2026, up 35.7% from the first half of 2025. The Bureau of National Statistics defines processed fish as including products that have been cleaned, gutted or filleted. The increase follows a 11.1% decline in exports for the full year 2025 and a multi-year contraction since 2023. Assuming no re-exports, Kazakhstan shipped abroad 42.4% of all processed and canned fish, crustaceans and molluscs produced in the country, totalling 30,400 tonnes.

Domestic Market Shift

Domestic sales of processed and canned fish, crustaceans and molluscs fell 16.9% to 45,100 tonnes in the first half of 2026. The simultaneous rise in exports and decline in domestic sales indicates a shift in producer priorities toward foreign markets. Kazakhstan's main export categories are frozen freshwater fish and freshwater fish fillets.

Frozen Fish and Fillets

Exports of frozen freshwater fish rose 69.2% to 5,600 tonnes in January–June 2026, from 3,300 tonnes a year earlier. The value of frozen freshwater fish exports increased 2.2 times, suggesting higher average prices or a shift to more expensive product lines. Exports of freshwater fish fillets grew 36.8% to 4,200 tonnes, with value up 39.3% to $30.5 million. Key buyers of Kazakhstani fish fillets include Denmark, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Poland. Kazakhstan exports carp, bream, pike-perch and other species, with pike-perch fillet recognised as a Kazakhstani brand in European markets.