According to the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the volume of cargo transported between Kazakhstan and China reached 18.7 million tons in the first half of 2026, representing a 9% increase compared to the same period last year.
Positive dynamics were recorded in both directions. Over the six-month period, 7.0 million tons of cargo were transported from China to Kazakhstan, a 9% increase compared to the first half of last year. In the opposite direction, shipments to China reached 11.7 million tons, exceeding last year’s figure by 10%. Within this, export shipments to China (including ore, animal feed, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, grain, oil, petroleum products, and other goods) accounted for 8.5 million tons, a substantial 20% increase compared to the first half of 2025.
The systematic cooperation between the railway administrations of both countries continues to drive this growth. Particular focus is being placed on developing border infrastructure, enhancing the capacity of border crossings, and creating favorable conditions for further expansion.
The Dostyk border crossing made a significant contribution to the increase, handling 10.6 million tons of cargo in the first six months of the year—a 15% increase compared to the first half of 2025. Export shipments through the station reached 5.4 million tons, also up by 15% year-on-year. Opened in 1990, the Dostyk station has become a vital link in Kazakhstan-China logistics, now operating as a major transport hub that blends decades of experience with modern terminal technologies.
Steady growth was also observed at the Altynkol border crossing. In the first half of the year, cargo volumes through Altynkol reached 8.1 million tons, up 2% year-on-year. Export shipments through this station grew by 29% to reach 3.1 million tons. Strategically located along international corridors connecting Asia and Europe, Altynkol relies on modern transshipment facilities and round-the-clock operations to ensure a stable flow of cross-border trade.
