Beef and buffalo meat market in Kazakhstan

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the beef and buffalo meat market volume in Kazakhstan increased from 340.5 thousand tons to 408.5 thousand tons. This growth was primarily driven by a rising cattle population across all regions, which encouraged farmers to expand beef production. The period also saw heightened foreign investment interest, exemplified by Tyson Foods' announced plans to establish a full-cycle beef production facility in the country, supported by a generally favorable investment climate for the meat sector.

In 2022, the market volume contracted to 372.1 thousand tons. A key factor was the surge in feed costs, which squeezed farmer margins and dampened production incentives. Concurrently, export restrictions to major markets like Russia and China, imposed due to foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks, disrupted trade flows and contributed to the downturn. The market partially recovered to 394.9 thousand tons in 2023, as record-high retail beef prices—jumping nearly 32%—stimulated renewed efforts to increase cattle herds and sustained investment activity, including the ongoing development of Tyson Foods' project.

By 2024, the industry is positioned for structural evolution focused on export development. Technological hubs are being established to reduce the costs for Kazakh producers entering foreign markets, while increased processing capacity for dairy and meat products is indirectly influencing supply chains and consumer preferences within the beef segment.

Production beef and buffalo meat in Kazakhstan

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of beef and buffalo meat, 2017-2020

World map of production of beef and buffalo meat, 2017-2020

Kazakhstan's beef and buffalo meat production has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 382.9 K t, which represents a 4.1% rise compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 19.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 6.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Kazakhstan in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of beef and buffalo meat output in Kazakhstan was 1 304 M $ US, showing a moderate decline of 9.1% from the year before. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 17.4%, corresponding to an annualized rate of 5.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 076 M $ US, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 1 434 M $ US. The most significant increase was in 2019, with a jump of 33.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Kazakhstan in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports beef and buffalo meat from Kazakhstan

Exports in kind, t

Beef and buffalo meat exports from Kazakhstan have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports reached 9 429 t, marking a sharp increase of 57.5% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports surged by 1000%, with an average annual growth rate of 122.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Kazakhstan in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, the largest buyers of beef and buffalo meat from Kazakhstan were Uzbekistan, accounting for 34.4% of exports in kind, Russia with 29.7%, and China at 22.1%. Together, these three countries made up 86.2% of total exports in kind.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Kazakhstan in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

Kazakhstan's beef and buffalo meat export value has grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 32 106 K $ US, which is 37.5% higher than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value increased by 979%, with an average annual growth rate of 121.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Kazakhstan in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

During 2017-2020, Uzbekistan contributed 32.3% of exports in value terms, Russia 28.9%, and China 23.4%. These three countries together accounted for 84.6% of total export flows in value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Kazakhstan in value, 2017-2020

Imports beef and buffalo meat to Kazakhstan

Imports in kind, t

The market showed volatility during these years. Imports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 15 180 t and peaked in 2019 at 26 364 t, with a 1.7-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Kazakhstan imported 25 116 t of beef and buffalo meat, down by 4.7% year-over-year. The largest decline was in 2018 at 5.6%, while the biggest increase occurred in 2019 with a rise of 73.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Kazakhstan in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Belarus and Ukraine were the key partners for imports in kind, together holding a combined share of 82.7% of total flows, with other countries making up the remainder.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Kazakhstan in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend over this period. Imports hit their lowest in 2017 and reached their highest in 2019, showing a 1.9-fold gap. In 2020, Kazakhstan's beef and buffalo meat imports totaled 80 538 K $ US, a decrease of 4.4% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 84 208 K $ US, with the largest increase that year at 86.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Kazakhstan in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017-2020, Belarus and Ukraine served as the primary suppliers of beef and buffalo meat to Kazakhstan, together accounting for 82.4% of total imports in value terms, while other countries comprised the rest.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Kazakhstan in value, 2017-2020