As a resource-rich nation, Kazakhstan heavily relies on imports to meet its domestic needs and support its key industries. The major imports of Kazakhstan include machinery and mechanical appliances, mineral fuels and oils, electrical machinery and equipment, vehicles and automotive parts, pharmaceuticals, plastics and plastic articles, iron and steel, organic chemicals, optical and medical instruments, and articles of clothing and accessories. The closest trading partners for each category vary, with Russia, China, and Germany emerging as prominent trading partners across multiple sectors. Understanding these import trends and partnerships is crucial for analyzing Kazakhstan's economic landscape, identifying areas of collaboration, and formulating effective trade policies.
Machinery and Mechanical Appliances:
Imported machinery and mechanical appliances hold the top position in Kazakhstan's imports by volume. With a total import value of approximately $20 billion, Kazakhstan heavily relies on these imports to support its industries and infrastructure development. The primary trading partners for machinery and mechanical appliances are Russia, China, and Germany.
Mineral Fuels and Oils:
Mineral fuels and oils are crucial imports for Kazakhstan's energy needs. The import volume for this category is valued at around $15 billion. The primary trading partners for mineral fuels and oils are Russia, China, and Turkmenistan.
Electrical Machinery and Equipment:
Imported electrical machinery and equipment are essential for meeting Kazakhstan's technological needs. The import volume for this category stands at approximately $10 billion. The primary trading partners for electrical machinery and equipment are China, Russia, and Germany.
Vehicles and Automotive Parts:
Imported vehicles and automotive parts play a significant role in Kazakhstan's transportation sector. The import volume for this category is valued at approximately $8 billion. The primary trading partners for vehicle and automotive parts imports are Russia, China, and Germany.
Pharmaceuticals:
Pharmaceutical products are vital for Kazakhstan's healthcare sector. The import volume for this category stands at approximately $5 billion. The primary trading partners for pharmaceutical imports are Switzerland, Germany, and Russia.
Plastics and Plastic Articles:
Kazakhstan imports a significant amount of plastics and plastic articles for various industries. This category accounts for an import volume of approximately $4 billion. The primary trading partners for plastics and plastic articles are China, Russia, and Germany.
Iron and Steel:
Imported iron and steel are vital for Kazakhstan's construction and manufacturing industries. The import volume for this category is valued at around $3 billion. The primary trading partners for iron and steel imports are Russia, China, and Ukraine.
Organic Chemicals:
Kazakhstan imports organic chemicals for various industrial applications. The import volume for this category stands at approximately $2.5 billion. The primary trading partners for organic chemical imports are Russia, China, and Germany.
Optical and Medical Instruments:
Kazakhstan imports a significant volume of optical and medical instruments for various applications. The import value for this category is approximately $2 billion. The primary trading partners for optical and medical instrument imports are Russia, China, and Germany.
Articles of Clothing and Accessories:
Kazakhstan imports a considerable volume of clothing and accessories to meet its domestic market demands. The import value for this category is approximately $1.5 billion. The primary trading partners for clothing and apparel imports are China, Russia, and Turkey.