Kazakhstan Signs $12 Million Sunflower Oil Export Agreements with Afghanistan
Kazakhstan’s National Association of Oilseed Processors (NAOPK) signed six trade memorandums with Afghan companies to supply vegetable oil, marking a significant expansion of regional trade ties. The agreements, finalized during a high-level trade mission to Kabul, were witnessed by Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin and Afghanistan’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Nooruddin Azizi.
Strategic Growth in Edible Oil Trade
According to NAOPK Chairman Yadykar Ibragimov, the export of sunflower oil from Kazakhstan to Afghanistan has shown robust year-on-year growth. In the first half of the 2024/2025 marketing year, sunflower oil exports rose by 60%, generating over USD 17 million, compared to the same period the previous year.
Driven by this momentum, Kazakhstan plans to double the volume of packaged refined sunflower oil exports to Afghanistan, supported by the commissioning of new oil refining and packaging facilities.
Exporters, Value, and Market Dynamics
Kazakhstan is among the top 10 global sunflower oil producers, with Ukraine, Russia, and Argentina leading the global market. Kazakhstan’s export strategy increasingly targets South and Central Asian markets like Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan.
The Afghanistan market, with its rising demand for packaged cooking oils due to limited domestic production and urban consumption trends, presents a growing opportunity for Kazakhstan’s value-added edible oil exports.
While official figures place the value of vegetable oil exports to Afghanistan at USD 12 million for this agreement, cumulative annual exports to the region exceed USD 30 million, according to NAOPK projections.
Perspectives on NAOPK and Future Outlook
The National Association of Oilseed Processors of Kazakhstan (NAOPK) represents a growing sector in Kazakhstan’s agri-industry. Its member companies operate crushing, refining, and bottling facilities, primarily processing sunflower, rapeseed, and soybean oils.
The association plays a key role in driving trade policy, expanding export infrastructure, and aligning local production with halal and international quality standards. NAOPK’s strategic partnerships also contribute to broader regional food security efforts.
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