Wood in the rough market in Kazakhstan, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the market volume for wood in the rough in Kazakhstan expanded from 386 thousand tons to 645 thousand tons. This growth occurred alongside Russia's increasing investment in deep wood processing, such as sawn timber and wood panels, which reduced its exports of unprocessed timber. In 2020, Russia prepared for a full ban on unprocessed wood exports by introducing export duties and announcing the prohibition effective from January 2022, causing market anticipation. The following year, President Putin's formal order to halt exports led to a surge in imports to Kazakhstan ahead of the restriction, peaking market volume.

In 2022, the market contracted sharply to 423 thousand tons as Russia's export ban on unprocessed timber took effect, slashing Kazakhstan's imports from 432 thousand tons to 125 thousand tons. The ban aimed to boost domestic processing and curb illegal logging. Simultaneously, EU sanctions banning imports of Russian wood from July 2022 disrupted traditional trade, prompting Russia to redirect exports toward Asian and CIS markets under new quota systems.

By 2023, the market partially recovered to 487 thousand tons, supported by a 21% rise in Russian supplies to Kazakhstan despite ongoing export constraints. Russia continued to prioritize deep processing domestically, with Asia accounting for over 92% of its forest product exports. This adjustment reflected sustained export restrictions and realigned trade patterns, with Kazakhstan's imports gradually increasing to 175 thousand tons.

Production wood in the rough in Kazakhstan

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of wood in the rough, 2017-2020

World map of production of wood in the rough, 2017-2020

Kazakhstan's production of wood in the rough grew for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 322.4 K t, marking a significant increase of 17.3% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 45.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 13.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Following two years of growth, Kazakhstan's production value of wood in the rough declined. In 2020, output was valued at 12 191 K $ US, showing a moderate decrease of 9.0% from the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, production value increased by 36.6%, translating to an annualized rate of 10.9%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 13 391 K $ US, with the largest increase occurring in 2018 at 23.1%.

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

Exports wood in the rough from Kazakhstan

Exports in kind, K t

Market performance exhibited notable fluctuations during this period. From 2018 to 2020, exports varied significantly, with a peak-to-trough amplitude of 4.9 times. In 2020, Kazakhstan exported 41.5 K t of wood in the rough, representing a sharp decline of 77.6% compared to the previous year. The maximum export volume was recorded in 2018 at 202.0 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 210.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export structure in kind was heavily concentrated, with Uzbekistan dominating the market, accounting for 98.0% of total flows.

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

The market demonstrated volatility over the observed period. Exports reached their highest value in 2018 and their lowest in 2020, with a 5.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Kazakhstan exported 1 571 K $ US of wood in the rough, showing a dramatic decrease of 82.6% from the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 9 302 K $ US, which also experienced the largest increase of 253.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Uzbekistan was the nearly exclusive buyer of wood in the rough from Kazakhstan, purchasing 96.4% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports wood in the rough to Kazakhstan

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, Kazakhstan's imports of wood in the rough declined. In 2020, the country imported approximately 327.7 K t, indicating a decrease of 26.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 52%, with an average annual growth rate of 15.0%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 443.6 K t, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 62.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, 100.0% of total imports in kind of wood in the rough to Kazakhstan came from Russia, making this market overwhelmingly dominant.

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

Following two years of gains, Kazakhstan's imports of wood in the rough in value terms declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 12 951 K $ US, down by 29.3% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 35.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.7%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 18 330 K $ US, with the largest increase in 2018 at 51.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner base for imports in value terms was extremely narrow, with Russia alone responsible for 99.9% of total flows.

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

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