As Central Asian countries actively expand their own flour milling capacities, Kazakhstan’s flour export strategy needs to become more differentiated and flexible. Zhomart Motyshev, President of the Union of Grain Processors of Kazakhstan, said this during the VI International Asia Grains&Oils Conference in Tashkent 2026.

“This includes, in particular, working with premium and specialized flour varieties, developing contracts with guaranteed volumes and long-term terms, and strengthening positions in markets where a shortage of processing capacity persists. Particular focus should be placed on premium and specialized flour with higher added value, tailored to the specific needs of new markets such as the UAE and China. This will strengthen competitive positions in foreign markets that value consistent quality and specific flour characteristics, while increasing margins and the added value of products and reducing dependence on price fluctuations for traditional flour,” the speaker said.

According to him, the Afghan market requires particular attention. Despite changes in the external economic environment, it remains a strategically important and sizeable market for Kazakh flour. Here, maintaining stable supplies and price competitiveness is a key factor.

At the same time, high tariffs on transit rail transportation through Uzbekistan to Afghanistan remain a significant factor undermining the competitiveness of flour products.

In addition, Afghanistan charges an additional customs duty of $11 per ton on imported flour, compared with $5 per ton for wheat imports.

Another persistent problem is the sale of counterfeit flour products in the Afghan and Uzbek markets under the brands of Kazakh companies.

“I am confident that through joint efforts we will be able to find solutions to reduce the cost of transit transportation and strengthen cooperation in combating counterfeit products,” the head of the Grain Processors Union stressed.