Evgeny Karabanov
This was reported by the head of the analytical committee of the Grain Union of Kazakhstan Eugeniy Karabanov. The expert noted that the increase in transportation costs will entail a decrease in export margins and worsen the price position of Kazakh products in the European market.
“In fact, this means an increase in the cost of transit through Russia by about 25% compared to the base level. In the current marketing year (September-August), Kazakh exporters have mainly shipped durum wheat and flax seeds to the EU through the ports of Estonia and Latvia. For Kazakh grains and oilseeds shipped through the ports of Latvia and Estonia, the increase in the cost of transit tariff will be $16-18/t,” – quotes the representative of this organization ElDala.
Kazakhstan is not only a significant supplier of grain, but also the main exporter of oilseed flax to the EU. According to DG AGRI TAXUD Customs Surveillance System, from July 1, 2025 to May 17, 2026, EU countries imported 416.2 thousand tons of flax seeds from Kazakhstan, or 72% of the total imports of 579.9 thousand tons. This is 87% higher than the same period last MY. The increase in supplies was facilitated by the increase from January 1 to 50% of the EU import customs duty on Russian flax seeds.
In the period September-March of the current marketing year Kazakhstan exported in the direction of the Baltic States and their ports 344 thousand tons of grains and oilseeds.
