Meat prices in Kazakhstan remain elevated partly due to strong exports to neighboring countries, including Uzbekistan, according to Deputy Minister of Agriculture Yerbol Taszhurekov.
Speaking to journalists, Taszhurekov said Kazakhstan does not face a shortage of meat, but a significant portion of production is exported abroad, which contributes to maintaining higher prices on the domestic market.
“Large volumes are exported to nearby countries, particularly Uzbekistan, because our meat products are in high demand,” he said.
According to the deputy minister, Kazakhstan produces around 430,000 tons of meat annually, while domestic consumption amounts to about 400,000 tons, leaving surplus volumes available for export.
Journalists had questioned why domestic prices have not decreased despite billions of tenge invested in government programs aimed at developing the livestock sector.
Taszhurekov said the government plans to adopt a comprehensive development plan for the livestock industry within the next three years, which is expected to further stimulate production and strengthen the sector.
Trade data shows that Uzbekistan has become a major importer of beef in recent years. In 2025, Uzbekistan imported more than 156,900 tons of beef worth $661.2mn, with an average price of $4.2 per kilogram.
This marked a significant increase compared with 2024, when Uzbekistan imported 93,300 tons of beef at an average price of $3.9 per kilogram.
