Kazakhstan is seeking to turn growing trade with South Korea into broader opportunities for its domestic producers. The topic was discussed during a recent Kazakhstan-Korea Business Forum which attracted over 200 government agencies/business representatives from both sides.
Business Forum Highlighted Kazakhstan-Korea Trade Potential
The Business Forum included presentations of Kazakhstan’s export potential and one-on-one B2B meetings between pre-selected Kazakh exporters and Korean importers. According to the Kazakhstan Ministry of Trade and Integration, both countries have maintained expanding economic ties, with bilateral trade reaching USD 3.17 billion in 2025, up 1.4% year-on-year. In January-June 2026, trade reached USD 1.3 billion, while Kazakhstan’s exports to South Korea increased 17.2% to USD 510 million.
Kazakhstan Expanding Exports Into Food And Agricultural Sectors
Kazakhstan trade exports remain concentrated in commodities, however the government is seeking to expand the range of products reaching South Korea. During the Korea Import Expo in Seoul in June this year, Kazakhstan presented a selection of its domestic products. Fifteen Kazakh food/agricultural companies participated, showcasing beef, flour, pasta, confectionery, dairy products, camel milk powder, flaxseed oil, snacks and beverages.
For Kazakhstan, South Korea represents not only a large consumer market but also an opportunity to diversify its geographic penetration. Conversely, Korean importers are actively looking for new/reliable suppliers, creating opportunities for Kazakhstan to expand exports beyond raw materials. However, to achieve this, talks are ongoing to ensure Kazakhstan`s domestic companies meet Korea`s technical, certification and quality requirements. Once completed, Kazakhstan’s industrial and critical-mineral resources, agricultural and food industries would help South Korea diversify/strengthen its supply chains.
The August Kazakhstan-Korea Business Forum was part of a broader sequence of trade promotion activities. Meanwhile, a Kazakhstan trade and economic mission to South Korea is planned for September 14-16 in Seoul.
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