Kazakhstan expands exports with wheat flour entry into US market

KAZAKHSTAN – Kazakhstan has initiated its entry into the United States food sector by exporting 50 tons of wheat flour under the Eurasian Legacy brand, marking a strategic effort to promote Central Asian products in one of the world’s largest consumer markets.

This shipment, delivered to New York, represents the first major export of Kazakh flour to the US, with plans to scale up to over 100 tons monthly upon securing long-term contracts.

The initiative is led by QazTrade, the national export development operator under Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Trade and Integration, as part of a broader push to enhance global recognition of Kazakh agricultural goods.

Announced on September 17, 2025, the flour is now available on prominent online platforms, including Amazon, where it retails for US$14.50 per 1.36-kilogram package, and Walmart, as well as in select US bakeries.

The product is prominently labeled as “Product of Kazakhstan” to bolster the Made in Kazakhstan brand and emphasize its environmentally friendly and high-quality attributes.

QazTrade is actively negotiating supplies to restaurants, coffee shops, and regional food chains, with ambitions to expand into major retailers such as Costco, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s.

If permanent contracts are established, QazTrade said it plans to organize regular deliveries of over 100 tonnes of flour monthly in the US market, where demand for natural and certified grain products is traditionally high.

Aitmukhammed Aldazharov, Chief Executive Officer of QazTrade, highlighted the strategic importance of this venture, stating that the US market provides a platform to strengthen partnerships and establish a niche in the hotel, retail, and cafe sectors, where consumers prioritize authentic and natural ingredients.

He noted that the recent opening of a QazTrade partner office in Washington, D.C., in July 2025, has facilitated direct engagement with US distributors and retailers. Additionally, a business mission for Kazakh producers to various US cities is planned to further these efforts.

Beyond flour, Kazakhstan is diversifying its US exports with other agricultural and processed foods, including buckwheat, granola, talkan (a coarse flour derived from roasted barley or wheat), chocolate, and cocoa.

These items are currently undergoing quality assessments by partners in New York City, Chicago, Illinois, and Washington, D.C., signaling a comprehensive approach to penetrating the US market.

According to the International Grains Council (IGC), Kazakhstan ranks as the world’s second-largest flour exporter, with projected shipments of 2.6 million tons in the 2024-25 marketing year, trailing only Turkey at 3.6 million tons.

The IGC’s latest estimates indicate a 9% decline in overall global wheat flour trade to 15.5 million tons for the same period, attributed to factors such as reduced imports by major buyers like Iraq and supply challenges in key exporting nations.

Despite this downturn, Kazakhstan’s exports are anticipated to reach an eight-year high, driven by robust demand in Central and South Asia, while its foray into the US demonstrates an intent to diversify beyond traditional markets.

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