Full Breakdown
Kazakhstan Pushes Domestic Goods into Foreign Retail Chains and Higher-Value Export Markets
8/5/2026, 5:45:19 PM
Core Initiative: Expanding Shelf Space for Kazakh Products Abroad
Kazakhstan’s government is rolling out a program to place domestically produced goods in major foreign retail chains. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov instructed the Trade and Integration Ministry to identify priority countries, retailers and product groups, and to develop measures covering certification, logistics, promotion and shelf-placement. Targeted chains include Lulu Hypermarket, Carrefour, Gross, Panda and Spinneys. The plan also calls for a “Made in Kazakhstan” branding program to be drafted within one month, with product-category targets and long-term supply contracts.
Background & Context: Shift Toward Higher-Value Nonresource Exports
Since 2021, Kazakhstan has sought to diversify away from raw-material exports. Exports of higher-processed goods rose from $4.2 billion to $11.1 billion, now representing 38.8 % of nonresource exports. In the first five months of 2026, nonresource exports grew 14.5 % to $11.8 billion, and roughly 44 % of all Kazakh-produced goods are sold abroad. The government links this push to domestic capacity building and stable demand through public procurement.
Data & Statistics
- Export Credit Agency insurance support: > 400 billion tenge in H1 2026; projected 1.2 trillion tenge by year-end.
- Logistics reimbursement for exporters: ? 6 billion tenge annually.
- Public-sector contracts with domestic producers (H1 2026): 45,000 contracts worth 82 billion tenge.
- Manufacturing output increase (H1 2026): 9.8 %, exceeding 16 trillion tenge in value.
- Agricultural export growth (2025): 37 % rise to $7 billion.
- Feed-meal shipments to China: 2.4-fold increase to ? 3 million mt.
Official Statements & Responses
Trade and Integration Minister Arman Shakkaliyev said the Export Credit Agency’s insurance support is expected to double by year-end and that the government allocates billions of tenge annually to offset exporters’ logistics costs. He noted legislation requiring retailers to allocate at least 50 % of shelf space to domestic food products and 30 % to locally produced non-food goods, with amendments to enforce quotas within product categories.
Industry and Construction Minister Yersaiyn Nagaspayev highlighted the 45,000 public-procurement contracts and guaranteed purchase agreements in the subsoil sector.
Deputy Minister of Agriculture Azat Sultanov pointed to the expansion of feed-meal shipments to China and record grain-equivalent exports to markets such as Morocco, the UAE and Vietnam.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is now necessary to ensure steady growth in the share of domestic products in the domestic market and to expand exports of Kazakh goods,” — Bektenov.
What’s Next
- Within one month, the Ministry of Trade, the “Atameken” Chamber and relevant agencies must draft a comprehensive “Made in Kazakhstan” program, set priority product categories and establish target shares.
- Develop mechanisms for favorable retail-space rental conditions for domestic producers in light industry and household chemicals.
- Launch a unified information campaign to promote the national brand.
- By year-end, complete a digital product-traceability system linked to the State Revenue Committee and the Register of Domestic Producers.
- Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin will coordinate support for Kazakh producers entering the largest foreign retail chains.
These steps aim to cement Kazakhstan’s transition toward higher-value exports while securing a stronger foothold for domestic manufacturers at home and abroad.
