Iran Increases Butter Exports to Kazakhstan by 64% — Reaches 1.6 Thousand Tons, Becoming the Largest Supplier

Iran has firmly established itself as the largest exporter of butter to Kazakhstan, accounting for 41% of physical imports, which is 9 percentage points higher than the previous year. However, Iranian butter is almost absent in retail chains, but is actively purchased by wholesale buyers.

There is also a significant increase in Ukrainian butter: its imports increased by 3.7 times — to 375 tons, and in value terms — by 5.3 times, to $2.8 million. Ukraine captured 10% of the market (+7 percentage points). However, this growth is on the back of a low base in 2024.

Belarus and Russia remain traditional suppliers, but their share is decreasing. Imports from Belarus grew by only 4% to 438 tons, while from Russia it decreased by 3% to 403 tons. Consequently, their shares decreased to 11% and 10% respectively. In monetary terms, imports from Belarus increased by 53% to $3.7 million, whereas from Russia it fell by 10% to $2.1 million.

The average price per ton of Ukrainian butter reached $7.4 thousand, Belarusian — $8.3 thousand (+48% and +43% respectively). Iranian and Russian butter are significantly cheaper at $5.3 thousand per ton, with Iranian prices rising by 16% and Russian prices decreasing by 6%.

According to industry analysts, the global rise in butter prices in 2025 is associated with a shortage of raw milk in key supplier countries and changes in consumption patterns in Asia.

Domestic consumption of butter in Kazakhstan increased by 27% over seven months in 2025, reaching 20 thousand tons, while production increased by only 10%, to 17.2 thousand tons. The missing volume is compensated by imports, which increased by 28% to 3.9 thousand tons, marking the highest level in the last 10 years.