Iran’s exports to Kazakhstan via Golestan Province triple over three years despite recent slowdown

Iran’s exports to Kazakhstan through Golestan Province have tripled over the past three years, reaching $149 million in the most recent fiscal year, a senior provincial trade official announced, underscoring the strategic significance of regional trade routes despite a short-term dip in activity.

Speaking at a meeting on bilateral trade development, Darvish-Ali Hassanzadeh, director-general of Golestan Province’s Industry, Mining, and Trade Department, said exports through the northeastern province rose from $43 million in 2021–2022 to $149 million in 2024–2025, highlighting a growing trade partnership between the two countries.

Hassanzadeh emphasized Kazakhstan’s potential as a key player in Iran’s economic expansion, particularly for Golestan Province. He noted that both sides could benefit significantly from establishing dedicated logistics hubs to streamline the movement of goods and reduce trade bottlenecks.

Despite this long-term growth, recent trade data reveals a short-term decline. According to figures from Iran’s Customs Administration, trade between Iran and Kazakhstan during the first two months of the current Iranian fiscal year (March 21–May 21, 2025) totaled 82,800 metric tons valued at $36 million. This represents a 36.3% drop in value and a 33.3% decline in volume compared to the same period last year.

Officials did not specify the reasons behind the recent contraction, though analysts point to ongoing regional transportation challenges, currency fluctuations, and shifting trade policies as likely contributing factors.

Golestan Province, located near the Caspian Sea, has emerged as a key transit point in Iran’s northern trade corridors, playing a central role in boosting overland trade with Central Asia. Hassanzadeh suggested that further investment in infrastructure and cross-border cooperation could reinforce Iran-Kazakhstan trade ties and stabilize fluctuations in export performance.

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