Kazakhstan to redirect barley exports if Iran demand drops amid conflict - Agriculture Ministry

ALMATY. March 4 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan will redirect barley exports to alternative markets, including China, if demand from its top buyer, Iran, declines due to the ongoing military conflict there, the Kazakh Agriculture Ministry's press service told Interfax.

"Kazakhstan's diversified export markets ensure stable supply chains," the ministry said. "If restrictions arise or demand from Iran declines, we will take necessary steps to redirect volumes to alternative markets, including China," it said.

Kazakhstan's barley exports in 2025 totaled 1.75 million tonnes compared to approximately 1.6 million tonnes in 2024. Nearly 1.1 million tonnes were shipped to Iran, accounting for over 60% of total barley exports, up from 547,000 tonnes in 2024.

Kazakhstan also exported 339,000 tonnes of barley to China in 2025 compared with 785,000 tonnes in 2024, 201,000 tonnes to Uzbekistan (160,000 tonnes), 87,000 tonnes to Tajikistan (74,000 tonnes), 22,700 tonnes to Azerbaijan (12,100 tonnes). It also exported barley to Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Afghanistan, Russia, Turkey, the UAE and other countries.

Barley is Kazakhstan's primary export product to Iran, with small volumes of wheat and vegetable oils also shipped to the country.

Kazakh barley exporters have suspended shipments to Iran amid the hostilities, though the Agriculture Ministry has not imposed an official export ban.