Kazakhstan’s rice exports rise over 25% as production expands

• Rice production increases 18.6% to 145,000 t in Jan-Aug’26
• Rice imports decline 71% to 4,900 t, strengthening export position

Kazakhstan’s rice production and exports increased in 2026, strengthening its position as a regional supplier to Central Asia and Afghanistan. Rice production reached 145,000 tonnes (t) during January-August, up 18.6% from the corresponding period last year. The increase in production coincided with higher export volumes and a sharp decline in imports, indicating improved domestic availability and a stronger position in regional rice trade.

Rice exports increase to regional markets

Kazakhstan’s rice exports rose 25.3% to 88,800 t during January-July 2026, compared with 70,900 t in the same period last year. Key export destinations included Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Russia, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. The concentration of shipments in neighbouring markets highlights the importance of regional demand and established trade routes for Kazakhstan’s rice exports.

Geographical proximity can provide logistical advantages by reducing transportation distances and facilitating access to nearby buyers. However, the extent to which these factors contributed to export growth would require further data on freight costs, destination-wise shipments and export prices.

Rice imports decline sharply

Kazakhstan’s rice imports fell 70.7% to 4,900 t during January-July 2026. With exports reaching 88,800 t, shipments abroad were approximately 18 times higher than imports during the period. The combination of rising production, higher exports and lower imports points to a stronger domestic supply position. However, assessing the country’s overall self-sufficiency would also require data on domestic consumption, stocks and the balance between different rice varieties.

Outlook

Kazakhstan’s expanding production and rising export volumes highlight its growing role in regional rice trade. Continued output growth and demand from neighboring countries could support shipments, while export performance will depend on domestic availability, prices and competition from other suppliers. Further production and trade data will help determine whether Kazakhstan’s export growth can be sustained in the coming months.