Kazakhstan has become the main supplier of wheat to Azerbaijan, taking over Russia’s traditional role in providing the majority of the country's grain imports. According to Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Agriculture, in the first half of 2025, Kazakhstan’s share of total wheat imports exceeded 60%, while Russia’s share dropped to less than 25%.

Official statistics show that the total volume of wheat imported from Russia to Azerbaijan has decreased by 40% compared to the same period in 2024.

The reasons cited include:

- Logistical difficulties due to sanctions and instability in the Russian transport sector;

- Increased prices and export duties on Russian grain;

- Deterioration of political relations between Moscow and Baku following diplomatic and media-related incidents.

Meanwhile, Kazakhstan has taken advantage of the situation by expanding its export infrastructure, improving shipments across the Caspian Sea, and increasing cargo volume through the ports of Aktau and Kuryk.

For Azerbaijan, this is a step toward greater food security and reducing dependency on a single supplier. Kazakhstan offers more stable prices and favorable logistics, particularly through the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.

This shift reflects a broader trend of Russia’s declining influence in the post-Soviet space, especially in the South Caucasus. Azerbaijan is actively diversifying its partnerships and strengthening ties with Central Asia and Turkey, aligning with the strategic concept of a “Turkic World”.

For the Kremlin, the loss of Azerbaijan’s grain market is an alarming signal. It represents not only economic losses, but also a symbolic loss of influence. In the current environment of sanctions and isolation, Russia is struggling to compete with new logistical and trade routes.

If the trend continues, Kazakhstan could establish itself as a key grain supplier across the South Caucasus. It would also strengthen the Caspian region’s role as an alternative trade corridor bypassing Russia.

#KAZAKHSTAN

#RUSSIA

#AZERBAIJAN

30.07.2025 08:48