Kazakhstan, Central Asia's biggest grain producer, saw a tenfold increase in its durum wheat exports, becoming the fourth largest supplier to the European Union (EU) in the July-November period, according to the latest figures released by the European Commission .
This marks a remarkable rise from seventh position in the same period the previous season.
From July to November, Kazakhstan exported 169.65 thousand tons of durum wheat to the EU, compared to 17.32 thousand tons in the previous season.
Italy is the main destination for Kazakh durum wheat, importing a significant 128.43 thousand tons, the data show. Followed by Latvia with 20 thousand tons, Portugal with about nine thousand tons, Spain with 6.39 thousand tons, Belgium with 4.11 thousand tons and Poland with 1.67 thousand tons.
Kazakhstan overtook Ukraine in the Polish market, a reversal of trends from the previous year.
Kazakhstan's rise as a major supplier of durum wheat to the EU can be attributed to its vast agricultural lands, covering 202 million hectares or 74 percent of the country's total area. The favorable geographical position and diverse climate of the country create optimal conditions for growing grain.
Key grain-producing regions in Kazakhstan include Kostanay, Akmola and North Kazakhstan in the north, along with East Kazakhstan, Abay and Pavlodar.
Kazakhstan has the capacity to export approximately half of its annual grain production. Wheat is the main crop, accounting for 80% of the country's grain production. In addition, Kazakhstan is a major exporter of flour, focusing on supplies to other Central Asian countries and Afghanistan.
Leave a comment