BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 29. Kazakhstan's coal
exports have remained relatively stable in volume over the past
decade, but their geographical structure has changed significantly,
according to the National Energy Report prepared by the Kazenergy
Association in cooperation with S&P Global.
According to Kazenergy, Russia's share of Kazakhstan's coal
exports, traditionally the main destination, fell from 77% in 2015
to 55% in 2025.
"This decline was partly offset by stronger demand from
countries outside the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS),
whose share of total exports increased from 15% in 2015 to 39% in
2025. The energy crisis and rising coal prices in the European
market also contributed to an increase in the share of Kazakhstan's
coal exports directed to Europe, from 11% in 2015 to 20% in 2025,"
the report says.
Over the past four to five years, Kazakhstan has also begun
exporting coal to Türkiye, India and China, whose respective shares
reached 5%, 4% and 3%.
Despite the decline in Russia's share, the country remains a key
market for Kazakh coal. In 2025, Kazakhstan's coal export revenue
totaled $610 million, of which $395 million, or 65%, came from
countries outside the CIS.
The report also notes that Kazakhstan's coal industry has become
more regulated. In 2025, it came under the authority of the
Ministry of Energy, which was granted powers to issue export
licenses in 2026.
Requirements for coal mining companies have tightened,
particularly regarding domestic supplies through commodity
exchanges. The mandatory share of such supplies rose from 10% in
2021 to 50% in 2023 and is set to increase to 52% in 2026. In
addition, the Kazakh government is considering regulating domestic
prices for thermal coal, according to the report.
