A disruption in grain export shipments occurred in Kazakhstan. As explained by the national company KTZ, in September-October, plans were agreed to transport 4.3 million tons of grain, of which 3.6 million tons were for export. However, in fact, only 2.2 million tons were shipped. The reason was the lack of locomotives and wear and tear at the elevators. At the same time, KTZ reported that there are difficulties with shipments in the direction of China. China is returning cargo with Kazakh grain, there is an accumulation of trains on the tracks, the APK News agency reports.
Of the 4 million 300 thousand tons of grain that were supposed to be shipped in the first two months of autumn, the bulk was supposed to be exported - 3 million 600 thousand tons. KTZ stated that plans for this volume had previously been agreed upon. However, they were not implemented for a number of reasons. The national carrier explained that the loading resources at the elevators and grain processing points are very worn out, and half of them do not have their own locomotives. Another reason for the disruption of grain deliveries to foreign markets was the poor condition of the access roads. Based on this, the country's elevators are only able to load 1 million tons (maximum 1 million 200 thousand tons) of grain per month.
At the same time, KTZ expressed its readiness to implement plans for November to transport over 2 million tons of grain, of which 1 million 700 thousand tons will be transported for export.
The company also explained the disruption of grain deliveries to China. According to the press service, the reason for the unsatisfactory export to China is the receiving party, that is, China itself. The fact is that the maximum possible volume of grain loading in this direction is 150 thousand tons per month. Chinese customs only work during the daytime, the unloading procedures and analysis take quite a long time.
And in September, China stopped accepting grain in the bonded zone altogether. That was when a series of refusals to accept and return grain cargoes began. It is noted that about 400 wagons were sent for return.
As the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan reported recently, in October China resumed accepting Kazakh grain. However, according to KTZ, grain acceptance is currently limited, 2 trains per day, customs procedures are delayed, and there is a massive accumulation of containers on the tracks. All
of this leads to the fact that the networks are clogged and affect other directions.
KTZ explained that at the moment they are forced to regulate the loading of grain in containers.
Speaking about other export markets, the company noted that former importers from Central Asia have returned to Kazakhstan. An increase in supplies is recorded in this direction. For example, in September-October, over 1 million tons of grain were shipped to Central Asian countries, while on this date in 2023 the volume was slightly above 780 thousand tons. They are also increasing supplies to the Iranian market – 250 thousand tons of grain were sent in these two months, while last year the volume of exports there was slightly more than 220 thousand tons. Grain supplies to Europe have begun. They go through the territory of Russia and the Baltics. Kazakhstan is also developing a new market for itself – Turkey.