In Kazakhstan, exports of the new grain harvest in January-August increased by 14% compared to the same period in 2025, reaching 7.2 million tonnes. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Sputnik Kazakhstan.

This was reported by the national company "Kazakhstan Temir Zholy". The issue was discussed at off-site meetings of the KTZ Grain Headquarters in Kostanay and Kokshetau.

"In August, a record monthly volume of 1.2 million tonnes was registered. This is 35% higher than the August 2025 figure. In January-August 2026, 9.3 million tonnes of grain were transported along the KTZ network. This is 13% more compared to the same period last year," the statement said.

Akmola region leads

According to the company, Akmola region leads in terms of loading volumes of the new harvest. Since the beginning of August, about 520 thousand tonnes of grain have been shipped from here. This accounts for 31% of the total loading volume across the country during this period.

In total, 1.7 million tonnes of grain were loaded across the republic during this period. From Akmola region, 409 thousand tonnes of grain were sent for export, and 111 thousand tonnes in intra-republic traffic. Thus, about 79% of the grain shipped from the region is directed to external markets.

In addition, since the start of the grain season, about 80 route trains have been dispatched from the region.

"Route shipments make it possible to reduce transportation time by delivering grain directly to the destination station without processing at technical stations. As a result, wagons are released faster for the next loading," the statement said.

Kostanay region indicators

Kostanay region is also among the country's major grain regions. Over eight months, more than 1.8 million tonnes of grain were loaded here. Of this, more than 1.4 million tonnes were sent for export, and 405.5 thousand tonnes in intra-republic traffic.

The main export destination is Uzbekistan. 606.4 thousand tonnes of grain were shipped from the region to this country. This accounts for 43% of the grain exported from Kostanay region.

Also:

  • 01to Russia – 169.6 thousand tonnes,
  • 02to Afghanistan – 135.6 thousand tonnes,
  • 03to Tajikistan – 133.5 thousand tonnes,
  • 04to China – 84.1 thousand tonnes of grain.

Grain was also delivered to Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Latvia, Estonia and Turkmenistan.

KTZ ready for transportation

KTZ stated it is ready to transport the new harvest. About 16 thousand grain carriers, more than 17.8 thousand covered wagons and 1,710 locomotives are involved in the railway network. Since the beginning of the year, the locomotive fleet has been replenished with 169 machines.

In September, repair work continues on certain sections. At the same time, throughput capacity is maintained or increased on most routes.

Discounts and tariffs

To ensure export transportation, reduced tariffs are applied on certain routes. On the Keles – Galaba section in Uzbekistan, a discount of 30% to 50% is provided depending on the volume of transportation. On the Keles – Khodjadavlet and Karakalpakstan – Galaba sections, discounts of 60% and 40% respectively are applied.

On the territory of Turkmenistan, a discount of 30% to 50% is provided depending on the route. And on the Kigash–Samur route, a 40% discount is applied on the territory of Russia, and a 20% discount when transporting with the participation of the Kaliningrad railway.

During the meetings, participants reviewed issues of organizing transportation, passing phytosanitary control and sending grain along export routes.