Traders predict problems with grain exports to traditional markets in the new season. Kazakhstan expects an above-average harvest, and given the carryover stocks, there is a high risk of transport congestion. To resolve the issue, businesses propose introducing transport subsidies for wheat deliveries to Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. With a planned export volume of 1 million tons, $61 million will be required for subsidies, the Atameken NCE reported.
Transportation of bulk cargo, primarily grain and coal, was discussed at Atameken with the participation of government agencies, KTZ and industry associations.
According to KTZ, last year the grain harvest reached 12 million tons, and exports amounted to 9 million tons per year. In the first seven months of this year, 3.5 million tons of grain were exported.
Despite efforts to optimize transport flows, enterprises are facing delays and a lack of infrastructure.
In this regard, grain market participants proposed conducting an inventory of loading points and using licensed elevators to streamline grain shipments. As noted by the Chairman of the Grain Union of Kazakhstan Nurlan Ospanov, this approach will eliminate middlemen from the chain and ensure transparency of the process thanks to the grain receipt system.
At the meeting, it was also proposed to develop a unified action plan that will organize the transportation of grain and coal both on the domestic and foreign markets. Following the discussion, a letter will be sent to the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the solution to the issue, which will be based on proposals for subsidizing transportation costs, technical regulations and inventory.