Rail freight transportation between Kazakhstan and Russia continued to expand in 2025, with total cargo volumes reaching 92.1 million tonnes, an increase of 3.5 per cent compared with the previous year, as reported by
Kazinform, a partner of TV BRICS.
The latest figures highlight the growing importance of rail corridors connecting the two countries and underline their role in facilitating trade flows across Eurasia. Industry data show that transit operations were the main driver of growth, reflecting rising demand for efficient overland transport routes linking regional and international markets.
Russian export cargo transported through Kazakhstan increased by 16.1 per cent year-on-year to 17.3 million tonnes, while Kazakh exports moving in transit through Russian territory rose by 20.4 per cent to 21.5 million tonnes.
Analysts attribute part of this growth to the implementation of a new intergovernmental agreement on rail transit transportation signed in Moscow in 2025. The agreement is expected to enhance operational efficiency, improve cargo movement across borders, and create additional opportunities for trade and logistics cooperation.
The positive trend has continued into 2026. During the first four months of the year, exports from Kazakhstan transported through Russia increased by 70,000 tonnes, reaching 7 million tonnes. Key cargo categories included coal, ferrous metals, and fertilisers.
At the same time, freight volumes originating from Russia and transported through or into Kazakhstan exceeded 12 million tonnes, representing growth of approximately 20 per cent compared with the same period a year earlier. Major cargo groups included petroleum products, grain, ferrous metals, and food products.
The sustained increase in rail freight volumes reflects the strategic importance of transport cooperation between the two countries, particularly as Eurasian trade routes continue to evolve. Rail transport remains a critical component of regional supply chains, providing a reliable alternative for moving large volumes of industrial and agricultural goods across long distances.