Kazakhstan Increases Imports from Russia

Kazakhstan is increasing the volume of goods imported from Russia. According to the Bureau of National Statistics, in the first eight months of 2024, Kazakhstan imported Russian products worth $11.2 billion, which is 2.1% more than in the same period last year. In absolute figures, this increase amounted to $231.9 million, Orda.kz reports, citing Data hub.

Growth resumed after imports fell by five percent in 2023. 

The goods that Kazakhstan primarily imports from Russia are six key groups, which account for 85% of the total volume:

Metals and metal products – $2.2 billion (+3.6% year-on-year): Metals traditionally remain a vital category associated with active construction and manufacturing projects.

Machinery, equipment, vehicles – $2.1 billion (-0.8%): Despite a slight decline, this category retains relevance for the development of infrastructure and technology.

Chemical products – $1.9 billion (+6.8%):  The growth in demand for chemical products is related to the needs of both industry and the agricultural sector.

Finished food products – $1.3 billion (+3.3%): Food imports are growing steadily, providing the population with a variety of products.

Fuel and energy products – $1.1 billion (+3.8%).

Products of animal and plant origin — $0.9 billion (+8.6%): This segment's increase is due to the growing demand for agricultural products.

Russia maintains its leading position among Kazakhstan's trading partners. It accounts for 29.4% of all Kazakhstan's imports, ahead of China, which is second at 24.9%.

Original Author: Rustam Muratov