Kazakhstan Achieves Highest Potato Export Figures in Ten Years, with Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan Leading Import Destinations
According to potatobusiness, Kazakhstan has reached a remarkable milestone in its potato export industry, marking the highest shipment values and quantities recorded in the past decade. This achievement reflects a significant shift in the country’s agricultural export dynamics, with Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan emerging as the primary importers.
Record Export Values and Quantities
In the first five months of this year, Kazakhstan exported potatoes worth USD 31.7 million. This figure represents a nearly fourfold increase compared to the same period in 2023. The current export value is the highest for this timeframe in at least ten years, showcasing the substantial growth in Kazakhstan’s potato export sector.
In terms of volume, Kazakh producers shipped a record 294,000 tons of potatoes during these five months, a dramatic rise from 108,000 tons in 2023. This surge in export quantities underscores the country’s expanding role in the global potato market and highlights the increased competitiveness of Kazakh potatoes on the international stage.
Price Dynamics and Market Impact
The increase in export volume has had a notable impact on pricing. Kazakhstan’s average potato export price surged to USD 644 per ton, marking a sevenfold increase from the previous year. This rise in price reflects the enhanced value of Kazakh potatoes, driven by higher demand and improved market conditions.
Import Destinations
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan have emerged as the leading importers of Kazakh potatoes. These countries’ demand for high-quality potatoes has contributed significantly to Kazakhstan’s export growth. The strong trade relationships with these neighboring nations are pivotal to Kazakhstan’s success in the potato export market.
Domestic Market and Consumption
Currently, there is no specific operational data available on domestic potato sales. However, estimates suggest that per capita potato consumption in Kazakhstan was approximately 3.8 kilograms per month during the first quarter of this year, excluding catering services. This figure provides a rough indication of domestic demand and consumption patterns.
Outlook and Future Prospects
Kazakhstan’s impressive export performance underscores the country’s growing prominence in the global potato industry. The increased export volumes and prices indicate a robust and competitive market presence. Moving forward, continued investments in agricultural practices and export strategies are likely to further enhance Kazakhstan’s position as a leading potato exporter.
