In the season-2016/17, Kazakhstan exported sunflower seed to 12 countries of the world, against 7 countries in the previous season. Traditionally, Uzbekistan (144 thsd tonnes) and China (101.4 thsd tonnes) became the main importers, an increased its purchasing volumes in 1.6 and 1.5 times, respectively. Iran unexpectedly appeared on the third position, which was not among countries-importers of the Kazakh oilseed in the season-2015/16. The country purchased 11.4 thsd tonnes of sunflower seed from Kazakhstan (4.2% of the general volumes). Also, Turkey appeared in the list of importers (1.1 thsd tonnes), as well as Pakistan (1 thsd tonnes), reported APK-Inform analysts.
In addition, in 2016/17 MY Belgium (124.8 thsd tonnes) traditionally became the main importer of Kazakh flaxseed. The shipments to then country rose by 3.5% compared with the previous MY. Afghanistan took the second position, and imported 65 thsd tonnes of the oilseed (up 116%). And Poland closed the TOP-3 of leading importers, with its import figures at 41 thsd tonnes (up 74%). In the season-2016/17, the export geography of Kazakh flaxseed expanded from 23 to 30 countries, while such countries as Vietnam (2.1 thsd tonnes) and Egypt (1.8 thsd tonnes) appeared among countries-importers of the oilseed.
