Kazakh Goods Could Enter International Retail Chains
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Trade and Integration plans to expand the presence of domestically produced goods in major retail chains abroad.
The new support measure is expected to assist manufacturers seeking access to retailers including Lulu Hypermarket, Carrefour, Gross, Panda and Spinneys. Trade and Integration Minister Arman Shakkaliyev announced the initiative during a meeting of the Government of Kazakhstan.
The mechanism is intended to become the next stage in promoting finished Kazakh products in foreign markets. However, the ministry has not yet disclosed which products will be included, when they may appear in stores or what cooperation terms could be agreed with individual retailers.
Higher-Value Exports Increased 2.5 Times
Over the past five years, Kazakhstan’s exports of higher-value processed products increased 2.5 times, rising from $4.2 billion to $11.1 billion.
Their share of the country’s non-resource exports reached 38.8%. The increase reflects Kazakhstan’s efforts to export more processed goods with greater added value rather than relying primarily on raw materials.
From January through May 2026, Kazakhstan’s non-resource exports rose by 14.5% to $11.8 billion. Around 44% of the goods produced in the country are currently supplied to foreign markets.
Kazakhstan Targets Europe, China and the Middle East
Kazakhstan plans to expand exports to the Eurasian Economic Union, Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe, as well as China.
Around ten trade and economic missions involving more than 300 Kazakh exporters are organized each year. Another 120 companies annually participate in the country’s export acceleration program.
These initiatives help businesses assess foreign markets, identify potential buyers, adapt products to national requirements and prepare for export contracts.
Exporters Receive Logistics Support
Kazakhstan is also expanding financial support for companies supplying foreign markets.
Around 6 billion tenge is allocated annually to reimburse part of exporters’ logistics expenses. Export credit insurance support exceeded 400 billion tenge during the first half of the year and is expected to increase to 1.2 trillion tenge by year-end.
Entering major international retail chains will require manufacturers to provide stable supply volumes, meet quality and certification requirements, use suitable packaging and maintain reliable logistics. Delivery costs, warehouse capacity and the ability to replenish inventories regularly across multiple markets will also be important.
No Retail Contracts Have Yet Been Announced
The ministry’s statement indicates that the mechanism for placing Kazakh goods in foreign retail chains is still being developed.
The government has not announced signed supply agreements with Carrefour, Lulu Hypermarket, Gross, Panda or Spinneys. It has also not identified the manufacturers, product categories or countries that could be involved in the first stage.
The initiative’s results will depend on specific agreements with retailers, the competitiveness of Kazakh goods and the ability of domestic companies to maintain regular international deliveries.
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