Kazakhstan plans $75 million worth of meat and livestock exports to China

Kazakhstan is set to increase meat exports to China, with three domestic companies preparing to begin beef exports under agreements worth $75 million. Notably, China ranks among Kazakhstan’s top three agricultural trade partners. Last year alone, agricultural trade turnover between the two countries reached $1.3 billion, marking a 67 percent increase compared to 2022. The volume of Kazakhstan’s agricultural exports to China doubled, reaching $1 billion. While grains and oilseeds are the primary exports, plans are in place to boost export volumes with livestock products.

«Work began in 2019, before the coronavirus pandemic. We had consistent exports and shipments, with regular customers. We primarily export frozen beef, and Kazakhstan also has advantages in exporting chilled beef. A notable aspect is the export of by-products, which generate revenue comparable to that from whole cuts of meat, aligning with our goals. There is also significant potential in horse meat. Kazakhstan has already conducted negotiations with the EU and is working on establishing a Eurasian zone for horse meat supply. The interested countries are France, Belgium, and Italy, with Japan also currently open for consideration,» said Askar Zhubatyrov, Executive Director of the Kazakhstan Meat Union.

The list of domestic suppliers for international markets will also be expanded. Work is underway to broaden the range of exported products, with 10 additional types of agricultural products currently under development.