Almaty (TDI): Rail freight traffic between Kazakhstan and China has demonstrated steady growth since the start of 2026, reflecting the strengthening economic ties between the two countries and ongoing investments in transport infrastructure.
According to recent data, the volume of rail freight has risen by 9.3% compared to the same period last year, signaling sustained momentum in cross-border logistics.
A key driver behind this growth is the expansion of infrastructure capacity, which has enabled more efficient handling of goods and increased throughput along major rail corridors.
These improvements have not only facilitated higher volumes of trade but also enhanced the reliability and speed of freight movement between the two nations.
Kazakhstan’s export performance has been particularly strong, with freight exports increasing by 17%. This surge has been fueled by higher shipments of iron ore, agricultural products, ferrous metals, and petroleum products.
The rise in exports underscores Kazakhstan’s growing role as a key supplier of raw materials to regional and global markets.
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Transit traffic has also shown notable gains, reinforcing Kazakhstan’s strategic position as a logistics hub linking Asia and Europe.
The volume of transit cargo in traffic with China rose by 8%, with the most significant increase observed in shipments originating from China and passing through Kazakhstan.
This segment grew by an impressive 27%, highlighting the country’s importance as a transit corridor for Chinese goods heading westward.
Efforts to strengthen Kazakhstan’s transport and logistics potential remain ongoing. National rail operators continue to implement systematic measures aimed at expanding capacity and modernizing infrastructure.
These initiatives are designed to ensure that the rail network can accommodate future increases in transit traffic while maintaining efficiency and competitiveness.
Meanwhile, the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR) is also experiencing positive growth trends. In the first quarter of 2026, a total of 125 container trains were dispatched from China via this route, marking a 34.4% increase compared to the same period last year.
This surge highlights the growing attractiveness of alternative corridors that bypass traditional routes, offering faster and more diversified options for international trade.
