Kazakhstan's fat and oil products are conquering world markets: export prospects discussed at the FOC 2026 conference
On June 5, Astana hosted the Fifth Anniversary International Fats and Oils Conference (FOC 2026), which has become a respected platform for discussing key trends in the agricultural sector, systemic challenges, and the development of international trade. The event brought together more than 330 delegates from 18 countries, including representatives of government agencies, financial institutions, major agricultural holdings, and international experts.
The conference was organized by the National Association of Oilseed Processors, with the official support of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Trade and Integration of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and QazTrade Trade Policy Development Center JSC.
Over the past five years, the forum has established itself as a leading dialogue and business platform for all participants in the fats and oils industry. Traditionally, the event serves as a venue for discussing systemic challenges, current market trends, and upcoming regulatory changes affecting the development of Kazakhstan’s agricultural sector and international trade, while also facilitating direct B2B negotiations between producers and buyers.
Today, the fats and oils industry is one of the key drivers of the country’s non-resource exports. In 2025, the sector accounted for 27% of Kazakhstan’s export revenues from processed agricultural products, while total foreign currency earnings reached a record high of USD 963 million, four times higher than in 2021. To maintain this strong growth momentum, the National Association of Oilseed Processors, with the support of its partners, has developed an Export Development Roadmap for 2026–2028. The implementation of this strategic document is expected to increase export revenues to USD 1.5 billion by 2028 and position Kazakhstan among the world’s top three suppliers of sunflower oil.
The Export Credit Agency of Kazakhstan plays a significant role in achieving these objectives and providing comprehensive support to domestic producers. Speaking as one of the conference’s key speakers, Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of the Agency, Aybol Balkin, noted that fats and oils products account for 23% of the Agency’s total portfolio. The overall volume of financial and insurance support provided to the sector has reached KZT 404.7 billion, with nearly half of this amount (48%) allocated in 2025 alone.
The Agency supports exporters throughout the entire export cycle by offering financial solutions aimed at expanding production capacity and protecting working capital. During the modernization of enterprises and the launch of new production facilities, loan insurance and project financing mechanisms are employed. To provide producers with the necessary working capital, the Agency offers pre-export and export trade financing, as well as guarantees for commercial transactions. When entering foreign markets, the Agency helps mitigate risks for Kazakh exporters by providing insurance coverage against non-payment by foreign buyers.
This comprehensive approach enables domestic companies to expand their export geography and strengthen their market positions. Today, with the support of the Export Credit Agency of Kazakhstan, Kazakh fats and oils products are exported to 18 countries worldwide, with China and the countries of Central Asia remaining the key destinations. Kazakhstan currently ranks second in the Chinese market for sunflower oil exports and is also the leading supplier of vegetable oils to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, holding a market share exceeding 90%.
The Export Credit Agency of Kazakhstan intends to continue supporting producers of oilseed-based products by providing effective instruments to enhance the competitiveness of Kazakh goods in international markets and expand global trade partnerships.
