Kazakhstan capitalizes on Russia’s falling coal exports

From January to July 2025, the transit of Kazakh coal through Russian territory surged 38 per cent compared to the same period last year, reaching 6.7 million tons, according to data from the Argus agency cited by Russian media.

The Black Sea port of Taman saw the most significant growth, with transit nearly doubling to 2.3 million tons, while shipments through Northwest Russian ports also rose by 19 per cent.

Kazakh companies have capitalised on challenges faced by Russian coal producers, who cut shipments in both directions due to plummeting export prices and the unprofitability of exports.

In July alone, Russian coal shipments fell 32 per cent through Taman and 27 per cent through Northwest ports.

Alexander Kotov, partner at NEFT Research Consulting, highlighted that Kazakh suppliers maintain positive profitability when exporting via Russian ports, and their coal quality is comparable to Russian coal.

This positioning allows Kazakhstan not only to export coal to Europe, which has imposed sanctions on Russian supplies, but also to compete in India, China, and Türkiye. With Russian coal terminals approaching critical underutilization, port management is actively seeking to attract Kazakhstani shipments.

By Tamilla Hasanova