Sustainable growth of Kazakhstan's meat exports: new horizons for the agro-industrial complex

Livestock: Facts and Figures

According to the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan , the cattle population in the country reached 8.8 million HEAD, an 8.3% increase compared to the same period last year. This includes 4.5 million cows, an increase of 16.3%. In the first six months of this year, 2.7 million calves were born, an increase of 17.5% compared to last year.

In addition, Kazakhstan increased its small cattle population to 21.5 million head, an increase of 0.8%. The number of lambs increased by 4.8%, reaching 7.6 million. The horse population also increased by 4.7%, reaching 4.7 million head, and the number of foals increased by 8.1%, reaching 1 million.

MEAT Production: Trends and Forecasts

In the first half of 2025, meat production in Kazakhstan amounted to 529.9 thousand tons, 1.5% higher than in the same period last year. Specifically, 182.3 thousand tons of beef, 56.4 thousand tons of lamb, and 69.3 thousand tons of horse meat were produced. This growth is occurring amid increased EXPORT demand, which is also affecting domestic meat prices

. Experts note that the rise in meat prices is due to several factors, including rising utility, energy, and feed costs. To protect the domestic market, the government of Kazakhstan has introduced temporary restrictions on the export of live cattle and tightened controls on meat exports . Specifically, a ban on the export of young cattle was

introduced from May 15 to August 15, 2025. Export Achievements

Despite the restrictions, meat exports continue to grow. From January to May 2025, beef exports totaled 12,300 tonnes, 2.4 times higher than the same period last year. Lamb exports reached 9,200 tonnes, a 2.6-fold increase compared to the same period last year. This demonstrates the high interest of foreign markets in Kazakhstani meat products.

Challenges and Support Measures:

Despite positive trends, Kazakhstan faces a number of challenges that hinder the full realization of its meat export potential. One of the main ones is the insufficient utilization of feedlots, which averages only 34%. The main reasons are a lack of available working capital for the purchase of young animals and the high cost of loans. To address these issues, the government has launched a number of support measures. Applications for preferential loans

began accepting on July 30, 2025.At 5% per annum, interest rates for feedlots will be provided, which will enable the purchase of young animals, feed, fuel, and lubricants. Fifty billion tenge has been allocated for these purposes, which is expected to increase capacity utilization to over 60%.

Furthermore, a new program, "Igilik," with an interest rate of 6% per annum, will be launched soon. This program is aimed at purchasing breeding stock and improving the breed characteristics of livestock. These measures could significantly enhance the competitiveness of Kazakhstani meat in international markets.

Kazakhstan is demonstrating steady growth in livestock farming and meat exports, opening new horizons for the country's agro-industrial complex. Given the support measures adopted and improved conditions for producers, a further increase in meat production and export volumes can be expected, which will be an important step toward strengthening Kazakhstan's position on the international stage.