Kazakhstan, as one of the largest economies in Central Asia, with a gross domestic product of about $306 billion in 2025, can become a potential market for Iran. However, Iran's share of Kazakhstan's commodity market, which is about $144 billion, is only 0.3 percent.
Kazakhstan's Dependence on Natural Resources
Kazakhstan's economy is primarily dependent on natural resources. Crude oil exports alone account for more than half of the country's exports, with other important export goods including copper and copper concentrate. Italy, China, and Russia are the main export destinations for Kazakhstan.
According to data from the Kazakhstan Statistics Agency, the value of trade between the two countries is expected to reach about $430 million in 2025, showing over 26% growth. In contrast, data from Iranian customs indicates that trade between the two countries was less than $350 million in 1403 and reached $262 million in the first ten months of 1404. These figures indicate that the trade relations between the two countries are still limited compared to Kazakhstan's market capacity.
Iran's Trade Routes to Kazakhstan
Iran has two main routes for trade with Kazakhstan: a land route through Turkmenistan and a maritime route from northern Iranian ports to the ports of Aktau and Kuryk in Kazakhstan. Given the disruptions in other routes, the Caspian Sea can serve as an alternative and reliable way to maintain trade relations with the Kazakh market.
However, transportation costs and waiting times for goods delivery must also be considered. The advantage of the Caspian Sea becomes an economic opportunity when the final costs remain competitive, allowing Iranian exporters to offer a wider variety of goods to the Kazakh market. Currently, of the approximately $239 million in Kazakhstan's exports to Iran, nearly $214 million is related to barley.
Ultimately, the geographical proximity of the two countries is an advantage, but increasing Iran's share of this market depends on effectively utilizing this advantage. Considering Kazakhstan's dependence on oil and gas production, Iran can also think about developing industrial exports in certain areas.
Read more: Installation of Smart Fuel Monitoring Devices on Tractors in Genaveh Has Begun · Mohammad Ali Dehghandahani Presented 10 New Proposals for Export Development
