Coal transit from Kazakhstan through Russian territory reached 6.7 million tons in January–July 2025, a 38% increase year-on-year and the highest volume since 2017, according to Asia Today news agency.
The growth was driven primarily by shipments via the Black Sea port of Taman, where transit volumes nearly doubled to 2.3 million tons. This reflects expanding logistics routes and rising demand for Kazakh coal in Southern Europe, Turkey, and Western Asian countries.
In 2024, annual transit totaled around 9 million tons. If current trends continue, 2025 could set a new record, solidifying Kazakhstan’s position as a key regional coal exporter.
For landlocked Kazakhstan, transit through Russia remains strategically vital. For Moscow, the growing flow brings additional revenue from transport services and strengthens energy cooperation amid international sanctions.
Kazakhstan exports coal to more than 20 countries, including Poland, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Israel. Experts note that despite the growth of green energy, coal continues to play a significant role in the region’s energy mix, offering Kazakhstan opportunities to boost foreign exchange earnings and invest in transport infrastructure.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
August 26, 2025