Kazakhstan sees $637.5 million export potential in the Austrian market

Kazakhstan has the potential to increase exports of processed products to Austria by $637.5 million. This potential covers 100 product categories, ranging from metallurgy and petrochemicals to food products and machinery. This was discussed at a meeting in Astana between Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Trade and Integration Aidar Abildabekov and an Austrian delegation led by Markus Hofer, Chairman of the Kazakhstan–Austria Parliamentary Friendship Group. The sides discussed ways to turn the existing trade potential into concrete supplies, investments and joint projects.

At present, trade between the two countries does not yet fully reflect the available opportunities. In January–July 2026, bilateral trade amounted to $159.9 million. At the same time, Kazakhstan’s exports increased 2.4-fold, reaching $7.64 million.

Kazakhstan sees the greatest potential in higher value-added products. In particular, the potential additional exports of metallurgical products are estimated at $326.6 million, petrochemical products at $139.6 million, and food products at nearly $97 million.

“For us, it is important not only to increase trade volumes, but also to expand the presence of Kazakh products in the European market. We see specific product categories and companies that can already work in this direction,” said Vice Minister of Trade and Integration Aidar Abildabekov.

During the meeting, Markus Hofer noted the Austrian side’s interest in purchasing vegetable oil from Kazakhstan. Austria is also interested in the production and processing of grain products, the development of projects in artificial intelligence, as well as other areas with potential for cooperation. The sides discussed opportunities to expand supplies of Kazakh products to the Austrian market and implement joint projects.

Particular attention was paid to the development of transport and logistics links. Kazakhstan and Austria are interested in expanding freight transportation by rail and across the Caspian Sea. The sides intend to work together to increase the potential of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, develop logistics infrastructure and improve the efficiency of transportation.

Another area of cooperation is the agro-industrial sector. Kazakhstan is ready to increase supplies of grain, flour, meat, poultry, fish, honey, flax seeds and organic products to Austria.

The sides also discussed the development of joint projects in the deep processing of metallurgical and mineral raw materials. Discussions on expanding trade and cooperation will continue at the upcoming meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission and Business Council in Vienna.

For Kazakhstan, the key task now is to turn the identified $637.5 million export potential into concrete contracts, new supplies and long-term partnerships with Austrian businesses.