Kazakhstan-China Trade Figures Reveal Discrepancy

A discrepancy in trade figures between Kazakhstan and China has emerged again, Orda.kz reports.

According to Chinese statistics, 2024 exports to Kazakhstan totaled $27.96 billion. However, Kazakhstani customs recorded only $15.21 billion — leaving $14 billion unaccounted for. This suggests that a significant portion of trade transactions are going unreported, potentially costing Kazakhstan's budget billions.

Vice Minister of Trade and Integration Kairat Torebayev attempted to clarify the issue, attributing the discrepancy to differences in accounting methods.

We raised this question and discussed it with our Chinese counterparts. Global trade relies on various accounting methods for imports and exports. For example, if China ships goods to Uzbekistan or Turkmenistan via Kazakhstan, Chinese statistics record it as exports to Kazakhstan, Torebayev explained.

Meanwhile, the vice minister added that Kazakhstani customs only register imports that physically remain in the country.

Original Author: Olga Ibrayeva