Kazakhstan’s economy expanded by 4.1% in the first seven months of 2026. Despite a decline in oil production, growth was sustained by sectors such as manufacturing, construction, transport, trade, and agriculture, according to the Government.
Preliminary data from the Bureau of National Statistics (BNS) indicates that GDP growth reached 4.1% in January–July 2026, maintaining the pace seen in the first half of the year. Despite an 8.9% drop in oil production (down to 53.2 million tons) and global market volatility, positive growth dynamics were successfully preserved.
Economic performance was largely buoyed by the non-resource sector, which grew by 5.4% over the seven-month period, according to Ministry of National Economy estimates. Manufacturing—a key pillar of the economy—demonstrated strong growth at 9.0%. Within manufacturing, key growth drivers included mechanical engineering (22%), food production (13.9%), chemical industry (26.9%), pharmaceuticals (38.5%), construction materials (9.4%), and finished metal products (35%). Notable gains were also recorded in construction (15.3%), transportation and warehousing (7.4%), trade (5.9%), agriculture (5%), and communications (4.3%).
Historically, Kazakhstan’s economic growth rates heavily depended on the dynamics of the extractive sector. Declines in production previously slowed overall GDP growth, while surges accelerated it. However, gradual diversification—achieved by strengthening industrial potential, reinforcing development institutions, expanding transit and infrastructure, supporting local producers and SMEs, and driving investment into non-resource sectors—has significantly reduced the weight of the oil sector (oil production’s share in GDP dropped to 7.8% by the end of 2025).
