Kazakhstan and Mongolia signed export agreements worth over $60 million

Kazakh companies signed export contracts worth $62.6 million with Mongolian partners during a business mission to Ulaanbaatar, marking another step in expanding trade ties between the two countries, the Ministry of Trade and Integration reported on March 19.

The Kazakh delegation was led by First Vice Minister of Trade and Integration Aizhan Bizhanova, who noted Mongolia as a promising destination for Kazakhstan's non-raw material exports.

"We consider Mongolia as a promising direction for expanding exports of non-raw materials. The high share of finished products in deliveries and business interest confirm that we are not dealing with a test market, but with a new, stable direction of trade," said Bizhanova.

Bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and Mongolia tripled in 2025, with over 90% of exports consisting of non-resource-based finished goods, including food and manufactured goods.

This shift reflects Kazakhstan's broader strategy to move away from exporting raw materials to higher value-added goods.

An interim trade agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and Mongolia, covering some 367 categories of goods, is expected to provide additional impetus. The agreement aims to reduce trade barriers and expand market access, creating new opportunities for exporters and joint projects.

"Work is underway to bring it into force, and we expect it to happen in the near future. For our companies, this means more opportunities for export and cooperation," said Bizhanova.

Kazakhstan’s growing role as a transit hub is also expected to deepen cooperation. The country offers Mongolia alternative export routes, helping to shorten delivery times and expand access to the markets of the Eurasian Economic Union, the Caucasus, Turkey, and the European Union.

The business mission took place on the eve of the upcoming visit of Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh to Kazakhstan, which gives the agreements additional political significance.