Kazakhstan is set to expand its flaxseed oil exports to Japan following a surge in Japanese demand. During a meeting with representatives from Japanese firm Jateco, Aizhan Bizhanova, Kazakhstan’s First Vice Minister of Trade and Integration, explored opportunities to increase exports of Kazakhstani flaxseed and other oils to meet rising Japanese interest in the health benefits of these products.
Flaxseed oil from Kazakhstan has rapidly gained popularity in Japan, with annual demand reaching about 10,000 tons—significantly outstripping current imports. In response, Jateco announced plans to increase its import volume of Kazakhstani flaxseed oil to 3,000 tons annually, with additional interest in safflower and cottonseed oils.
Logistics improvements were a focal point in the discussions, with Bizhanova emphasizing Kazakhstan’s dedication to streamlining transport routes for Asian markets. She proposed coordinating with the Ministry of Transport and National Company ‘KTZ’ to minimize delays and ensure smoother trade flows with Japanese partners.
Kazakhstan’s vegetable oil exports have grown substantially in 2024, with exports to Japan from January to August reaching 93 tons and generating $122,400—a 4.5-fold increase from the previous year. Flaxseed and sunflower oils are central to these exports, helping Kazakhstan strengthen its standing in the global vegetable oil market. The sector’s total trade volume stands at $321.9 million, with exports accounting for $297.5 million.
Interest from Japan extends beyond flaxseed, with Jateco aiming to import 1,000 tons of safflower oil and 2,500 tons of cottonseed oil. This expansion offers new opportunities for Kazakhstani producers and deepens bilateral trade ties.
Bizhanova expressed appreciation for Japanese enthusiasm for Kazakhstani products, underscoring the importance of continued economic collaboration. Japan, a vital partner for Kazakhstan in East Asia, is among its top ten investors, with $8 billion invested since 1993. Trade between the two nations reached $768 million in the first five months of 2024 and grew by 10.5% last year, totaling $2.1 billion.
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