en.Wedoany.com Reported - (Kazinform) – On June 5, the fifth FOC 2026: Oil and Fat Congress was grandly held in Astana. The conference aimed to deeply explore the development trends and future opportunities of the oil and fat processing industry in the Eurasian region.
According to the Ministry of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan, the forum brought together over 330 delegates from 18 countries worldwide, including heads of more than 50 oil and fat processing enterprises in Kazakhstan, as well as representatives from government agencies, international organizations, financial institutions, agricultural holding companies, logistics firms, and global industry leaders.
In his opening address, Deputy Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan, Asset Nussupov, noted the increasingly strategic role of the oil and fat industry in ensuring global food security. He stated that visits to agricultural regions and in-depth exchanges with agricultural producers clearly indicate profound transformations in the country's agro-industrial complex. Kazakhstan is gradually shifting from raw material exports to deep processing and the manufacturing of high-value-added products, while actively exploring new export markets.
These changes have yielded significant results internationally. Last year, Kazakhstan entered the ranks of the world's leading sunflower oil exporters, capturing approximately 3.6% of the global export market. At the same time, Kazakhstan rose to second place among sunflower oil exporters to China. Over the past year, exports of oilseeds and oil and fat products increased by 70%, marking the success of Kazakhstan's policies in economic diversification and promoting non-resource exports.
Currently, the oil and fat processing industry has become a key growth driver in the manufacturing sector. In 2025, the industry's total output exceeded 1.57 million tons for the first time, with export revenues reaching a record $963 million. For comparison, this figure was only $240 million in 2021, meaning export revenues have more than quadrupled in just four years.
Sunflower oil production has developed particularly rapidly. Over the past four years, its output has increased 2.3 times, surpassing 752,000 tons. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan has significantly reduced its dependence on imported sunflower oil for the domestic market. Data shows that between 2015 and 2021, the market share of imported sunflower oil averaged 39%, but today this figure has dropped to below 18%.
Currently, the oil and fat processing industry contributes more than a quarter of Kazakhstan's foreign exchange earnings from agricultural exports. In 2025, the industry's export share reached 27%, making it one of the pillar industries ensuring the stable operation of Kazakhstan's economy.
During the conference, participants focused on food security and price stability. According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the global vegetable oil price index rose by 39% from May 2023 to the end of 2025, while sunflower oil prices on European exchanges increased by 47% during the same period. Despite volatile international markets, domestic prices in Kazakhstan remained stable thanks to effective collaboration between the government and businesses.
Today, Kazakhstan's oil and fat products are exported to more than 20 countries worldwide, with key markets including China, Central Asian nations, and the European Union. In 2025, Kazakhstan's sunflower oil exports ranked sixth globally.
Over the past two years, Kazakhstan has become the largest supplier of vegetable oil to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, meeting over 90% of their import needs. Additionally, Kazakhstan has fully satisfied Central Asia's demand for sunflower meal and has become one of the top three suppliers of sunflower meal to the European Union.
Nussupov emphasized that these achievements are the result of systematic state policies and effective cooperation established with the business community. Upgrading transportation and logistics infrastructure is one of the core strategic directions. Kazakhstan is continuously expanding the potential of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, systematically advancing railway infrastructure upgrades and port capacity enhancements.
In 2026, the port of Aktau achieved direct loading and export of vegetable oil for the first time. Furthermore, with the support of Kazakhstan's national railway company, a pilot shipment of granulated sunflower meal to China via the Dostyk-Alashankou border crossing has been launched.
Another significant milestone is that, for the first time in Kazakhstan's history, sunflower oil produced in the East Kazakhstan region was transported to Jiangsu Province, China, using flexible tank containers. The route, spanning 4,700 kilometers, was completed in just 12 days, demonstrating the efficiency of modern logistics solutions.
At the same time, foreign trade opportunities for Kazakh producers are expanding. Kazakhstan is effectively utilizing free trade agreements with Vietnam, Serbia, and Iran. Last year, new agreements were signed with the United Arab Emirates, Mongolia, and Indonesia. Additionally, negotiations are underway to establish a free trade zone with India, which would open one of the world's largest consumer markets to Kazakh exporters.
Nussupov also highlighted the impressive performance of oilseed exports. During the period from September to April of the current season, flax exports approached 1 million tons, generating nearly $500 million in revenue for the national economy. Major buyers include China and EU countries. During the same period, rapeseed exports exceeded 200,000 tons, primarily destined for China, Poland, Latvia, and other European nations.
To enhance the transparency and efficiency of trade processes, Kazakhstan is introducing a "National Commodity Catalog" system.
According to international expert assessments, the global vegetable oil market will maintain steady growth in the coming years, with annual global consumption already exceeding 220 million tons and expected to expand further. This provides more opportunities for Kazakhstan to strengthen its position in the global food market.
Participants believe that Kazakhstan's oil and fat processing industry, through developing deep processing, introducing modern technologies, and expanding exports of high-value-added products, has become a model for ensuring sustainable economic growth. This direction continues to make significant contributions to enhancing the country's export potential, opening new markets, and consolidating food security.
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