Kazakhstan Reports $336 Million Trade With Afghanistan, Plans Larger Food Exports

Kazakhstan says trade with Afghanistan reached $336 million this year and plans to expand exports of wheat, flour and other essential food products.

Kazakhstan’s trade with Afghanistan reached $335.9 million in the first eight months of this year, Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Serik Zhumangarin said on Tuesday. He made the remarks during a meeting with Taliban Industry and Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi in Astana.

Trade between the two countries totalled $545.2 million in 2023, according to Zhumangarin. Despite declines in some areas, Kazakhstan recorded strong growth in key export sectors.

Exports of Kazakh wheat increased 2.9 times, while sunflower oil shipments rose 3.1 times, Astana-based media reported. Fuel products and truck exports also doubled over the same period.

Zhumangarin said Kazakhstan expects to export 9.6 million tonnes of wheat this year and is ready to expand shipments of grain, flour, rice and sugar to Afghanistan.

Afghanistan continues to rely heavily on Kazakhstan for staple food imports as domestic production struggles to meet demand during ongoing economic challenges.

The Taliban’s Industry and Commerce Ministry said on Monday that a new trade contract worth more than $360 million had been signed with Kazakhstan, signalling efforts to deepen commercial ties and secure food supplies.

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