China continues to strengthen its position in Kazakhstan's fruit market, with citrus imports from the country rising sharply this year. According to official trade data, Kazakhstan imported 100,900 tonnes of citrus in the first three quarters of 2025, up 3.2% year-on-year, at a total value of USD 49.7 million.
The most significant expansion occurred in mandarin imports. Supplies reached 63,800 tonnes (+23.5%), driven primarily by China, which shipped 44,700 tonnes, an increase of 1.6 times compared to last year. Pakistan delivered 13,200 tonnes (-20%), while Turkey supplied 3,100 tonnes (-1.6×). Smaller volumes also arrived from Russia, Morocco, Egypt, Argentina and South Africa.
Orange imports grew to 18,300 tonnes (+8.4%). While Egypt (2,500 tonnes, -18.5%) and Iran (2,900 tonnes, -29.2%) remained on the supplier list, China outpaced both combined, exporting 9,600 tonnes of oranges to Kazakhstan (+41.4%). This shift further underscores China's growing dominance at the expense of traditional suppliers.
Lemon and lime imports fell notably to 12,200 tonnes (-1.8×). China remained the leading source with 9,400 tonnes, half the previous year's volume, while shipments from Turkey declined to 817 tonnes (-1.6×). Interestingly, imports from Uzbekistan, Russia, Argentina, South Africa and Tajikistan rose despite the overall downturn.
Imports of pomelos and grapefruits dropped by 13.8% to 6,400 tonnes, nearly all sourced from China (6,300 tonnes, -13%), with small additional volumes from Turkey, Russia and South Africa.
Despite being a net importer, Kazakhstan has significantly expanded its citrus exports. Outbound shipments reached 7,700 tonnes in January–September (+2.6×), valued at USD 1.9 million. Exports included 3,000 tonnes of mandarins (+1.8×), primarily destined for Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
Exports of pomelos and grapefruits surged nearly sevenfold to 2,800 tonnes, while lemon exports rose to 1,400 tonnes (+3.1×), with Russia, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan serving as the main markets.
Source: lsm.kz
