Kazakhstan's GDP increased by 4.5% in the first ten months of 2026, slightly accelerating compared to the January–September results. The highest dynamics were shown by pharmaceuticals, metal products manufacturing, and mechanical engineering, according to the Ministry of National Economy. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.
The main support to the economy came from non-resource sectors, which grew by 5.6%. Manufacturing industry accelerated especially noticeably.
"At the same time, the growth rate of the manufacturing sector increased from 8.6% over nine months to 9.3% over ten months of the current year. The highest growth rates in the manufacturing sector are observed in mechanical engineering (22.2%), pharmaceuticals (50.9%), production of finished metal products (30.4%), and the chemical industry (21.9%)," the Ministry of National Economy reported.
Producers of plastics, food products, and building materials also maintained positive dynamics.
Outside industry, construction leads with a plus of 13.1%. Transport and warehousing added 7.5%, trade — 6.2%, agriculture — 5.2%, communications — 4.9%.
At the same time, back in October, Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin named three reasons that were hindering the economy from gaining momentum: a decline in oil production, the strengthening of the tenge, and a slowdown in consumer lending.
In the manufacturing industry, the situation is also mixed. Despite an increase in output, enterprises continue to complain about weak demand and a lack of orders.
As Kursiv previously wrote, the business activity index (PMI) rose to 49.4 points in October but remained below the 50 mark, which separates expansion of business activity from contraction.