Kazakhstan Economy Expands 4.3% in Jan-May

Kazakhstan’s economy expanded by 5.1% year-on-year in January–June 2026, accelerating from 4.3% growth in the January–May period. It marked the strongest expansion since January–December 2025, supported by robust growth in manufacturing (9.8%), construction (15.2%), transportation and storage (7.1%), and trade (5.7%). In contrast, industry (3.5%), communication (4.3%), and agriculture (4.4%) recorded the slowest growth rates. Capital investment climbed to 9.5 trillion tenge, with private investment inflows rising 21.4%. Regionally, economic activity expanded most strongly in Turkistan (26.3%), Ulytau (17%), and Almaty (14.8%). Meanwhile, output contracted in Batys Kazakhstan (-6.4%), Atyrau (-5.3%), Akmola (-0.5%), and Shygys Kazakhstan (-0.2%). Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov recently directed the government to secure sustainable economic growth above 5% in 2026, following a robust 6.5% expansion in 2025.

Kazakhstan’s economy expanded by 4.3% year-on-year in January-May 2026, up slightly from 4.2% recorded in the January-April period. This marked the highest growth since January-December 2025, driven by strong performance in construction (13.4%), transportation and storage (8.4%), and trade (5.6%). Meanwhile, the slowest growth was recorded in industry (2.5%), agriculture (3.6%), and communications (3.7%). By region, economic activity expanded most strongly in Turkistan (20.2%), Zhetisu (14.2%), and Soltustik (13.1%). In contrast, it declined in Atyrau (-33.2%), Batys (-20.1%), Akmola (-10%), and Shygys (-1.6%).

Kazakhstan’s economy expanded by 3.6% year-on-year in January–April 2026, according to preliminary data from the Bureau of National Statistics. Growth continued to gain momentum, supported by strong manufacturing activity, which surged 9.9%, driven largely by a 23.3% jump in mechanical engineering amid higher production of vehicles, agricultural and railway machinery, and electrical equipment. Other manufacturing segments also posted robust gains, including light industry, which more than doubled, alongside furniture manufacturing (41.7%), pharmaceuticals (35.2%), construction materials (27.7%), chemicals (18.4%), and food production (14.4%). Strong growth was also recorded in construction (14.5%), transport and warehousing (12%), trade (5.1%), and agriculture (3.6%). The government said the current structure of GDP growth reflects the increasing role of non-resource sectors, particularly construction, transport, trade, and manufacturing.