Kazakhstan doubles barley exports

Kazakhstani farmers have significantly increased barley exports. From September 2024 to August 2025, the country exported 1.82 million tons — twice as much as in the same period last season, according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture.

Main reasons for the increase include a high yield, favorable prices and strong demand from Iran and China.

In total, 3.84 million tons of barley were harvested in 2024. Almost two thirds of exports went to Iran, with nearly 1.1 million tons delivered — nearly 30 times more than last year. China received 414,400 tons, and Uzbekistan 125,200 tons.

The export surge has directly affected domestic prices. Last fall, a ton of barley cost between 50,000 and 52,000 tenge (about $93 to $96), while by early August 2025 the price rose to between 85,000 and 87,000 tenge ($158 to $161).

The forecasts indicate that in the 2024-2025 marketing year, the export volume may reach 1.9 million tons.

Meanwhile, the situation on the domestic market remains stable, the ministry noted. The National Company Food Contract Corporation keeps the market under control through reserves — 500,000 tons of wheat and 200,000 tons of feed grain, including barley.

The agency also noted that the price growth was good news for farmers, as grain sales at higher prices help them cover current expenses without taking loans, as well as invest in grain storage and farm development.

According to Kazakhstan Temir Zholy, the national railroad operator, the country exported 9 million tons of grain from the latest harvest between September 2024 and June 2025, up 60% from the same period of 2023-2024.