Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) transported 10.6 million tons of grain across its rail network in 2024, cementing the country's role as a strategic grain logistics hub for Central Asia and beyond. The tonnage reflects robust movement along both domestic routes and export corridors stretching to the Caucasus and beyond.
Domestic grain transportation by rail grew 13% year-on-year, exceeding 2.5 million tons, while export volumes reached 8.1 million tons. The split underscores Kazakhstan's reliance on rail infrastructure not only for internal agricultural distribution but also as a primary conduit to foreign buyers.
Central Asian corridors recorded the most striking growth. Rail deliveries to Kyrgyzstan jumped 92%, shipments to Azerbaijan rose 86%, and exports to Tajikistan climbed 20%. Grain loading to Iran doubled compared to the prior year, signaling an intensifying partnership with Tehran's markets. These dynamics point to rising demand for Kazakh grain across the wider Eurasian region and highlight the importance of maintaining rail capacity and operational reliability.
Transportation of milled products followed a similarly positive trajectory. The total volume moved in 2024 reached 3.2 million tons, representing a 2% increase over 2023. Export volumes of milled products came in at 2.3 million tons, up 3% year-on-year.
Within the milled products segment, Central Asian markets proved especially dynamic. Turkmenistan and Tajikistan posted export growth of 5% and 4% respectively, while Kyrgyzstan imported 41% more Kazakh milled products than the previous year. China also significantly expanded its intake, increasing imports of Kazakh milled goods by 34%, reflecting growing demand from eastern markets.
KTZ has emphasized logistics optimization across all stages of grain and milled product delivery. Socially significant commodities—including grain and milled products—receive special operational priority. An internal grain headquarters convenes daily to monitor and coordinate shipments, ensuring continuity and timeliness in what is a seasonally sensitive supply chain.