ASTANA – Kazakhstan is expanding domestic fertilizer production to reduce import dependence, support agriculture and develop higher-value exports. Major nitrogen and potassium projects planned by 2030 could help create a more complete domestic fertilizer industry.
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President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has repeatedly stressed the importance of expanding domestic fertilizer production to reduce import dependence and develop export potential. Major investment projects in nitrogen and potassium fertilizers now support the policy, with new capacity planned by 2030.
Expanding domestic production
Mineral fertilizers are divided into nitrogen, phosphate and potassium groups. Kazakhstan has an established phosphate industry, while nitrogen and potassium production remain priorities, reported the Ministry of National Economy on Aug. 18.
The KazAzot Prime complex in the Mangystau Region is expected to produce 660,000 tons of ammonia, 577,500 tons of urea and 500,000 tons of ammonium nitrate annually. Its launch in 2030 would more than triple national ammonia capacity and create Kazakhstan’s first industrial-scale urea production, with around 700 permanent jobs.
The integrated model will also increase processing. Around 543,000 tons of ammonia will be used to produce urea and ammonium nitrate, creating greater value from domestic production.
From importer to exporter
Kazakhstan currently has no potassium fertilizer production, despite more than 6.6 billion tons of confirmed potassium salt reserves. Domestic demand of nearly 14,000 tons is therefore fully covered by imports.
The Qazaq Kalium project at the Satimola deposit plans to produce 1.5 million tons of potassium fertilizer annually by 2030. Even if domestic demand rises to 300,000 tons, most of the planned output could be exported.
KazAzot Prime also has significant export potential, with planned annual exports of approximately 470,000 tons of urea and 98,000 tons of ammonium nitrate. Export volumes are expected to use the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TITR), or the Middle Corridor.
Rising domestic demand
Fertilizer use in Kazakhstan is increasing rapidly, from 679,000 tons in 2023 to 1.8 million tons in 2025. The 2026 target is 2.3 million tons, or up to 73% of scientifically justified demand.
Yet consumption remains below international levels. Kazakhstan applies an estimated 25-35 kilograms per hectare, compared with a global average of 150-160 kilograms. State compensation of up to 60% of fertilizer costs provides additional support for farmers.
A new export opportunity
Developing nitrogen, phosphate and potassium production could help Kazakhstan reduce imports while creating a new, higher-value export industry.
Key indicators will be completion of the planned projects, continued growth in domestic fertilizer use, and Kazakhstan’s ability to reach international markets through the Middle Corridor.
If these plans are implemented, fertilizers could become an important new pillar of Kazakhstan’s chemical industry, supporting food security while strengthening the country’s export portfolio.
