Freight transportation tariffs in Kazakhstan showed mixed trends during the first quarter of 2026. According to the Bureau of National Statistics, the most significant increase was recorded in the air cargo segment, while sea freight tariffs declined. At the same time, the railway sector continues to play a key role in the country’s logistics system, although no official data on changes in rail freight tariffs were published.
Between January and March 2026, tariffs for road freight transportation increased by 1.2% compared to the same period in 2025. International road freight tariffs rose by 1.1%, while domestic road transportation tariffs increased by 1.6%.
Despite the relatively moderate rise in tariffs, road transport remains one of the main drivers of Kazakhstan’s freight logistics market. According to official statistics, the volume of cargo transported by road grew by 20.4% during the first three months of the year, while freight turnover increased by 4.4% year-on-year.
The most substantial increase was observed in the air freight sector. Tariffs for cargo transportation by air rose by 13.3%. International air freight rates increased by 18.8%, while domestic air cargo tariffs grew by 1.2%.
Industry experts attribute this growth to sustained demand for international logistics services and time-sensitive cargo deliveries. The aviation sector continues to expand its operations, with passenger turnover increasing by 9% in the first quarter of 2026.
In contrast to road and air transportation, sea freight tariffs declined during the reporting period. Between January and March 2026, sea freight rates fell by 3.1%. At the same time, the volume of cargo transported by sea decreased by 1.1%, while freight turnover increased by 2.7%, indicating longer average transportation distances.
The railway sector remains one of the most important components of Kazakhstan’s freight transportation system. Although the Bureau of National Statistics did not publish data on rail freight tariff changes for the first quarter of 2026, operational indicators remained stable. According to Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), the national railway company, 64.5 million tons of cargo were transported through the railway network during January–March, representing a 0.6% increase compared to the same period last year.
Growth was primarily driven by export-oriented commodities. Grain transportation increased by 15.4%, shipments of ferrous metals rose by 18%, iron and manganese ore transportation grew by 14%, and fertilizer shipments increased by 3%. These figures indicate continued strong demand for rail logistics services from both the industrial and agricultural sectors.
At the same time, railway tariffs remain one of the most widely discussed issues within the transportation industry. In spring 2026, KTZ submitted an application to the Committee for Regulation of Natural Monopolies seeking approval to revise tariffs for mainline railway network services through 2030. The company argues that higher tariffs are necessary to support large-scale infrastructure modernization and investment projects. Significant tariff increases for certain categories of freight are currently under consideration, although no final regulatory decision had been made at the time of publication.
Overall, Kazakhstan’s transportation sector continues to demonstrate strong business activity. During the first quarter of 2026, all modes of transport collectively carried 239.8 million tons of cargo, an increase of 8% compared to the same period in 2025. The physical volume index for transportation and warehousing services reached 112.8%.
In summary, the first quarter of 2026 was characterized by moderate growth in road freight tariffs, a significant increase in air cargo transportation costs, and declining sea freight rates. Meanwhile, the railway sector maintained stable cargo volumes and continued to serve as a cornerstone of Kazakhstan’s transportation system. Future decisions regarding railway tariff policy are likely to remain a key issue for the logistics market in the years ahead.
Sources: Bureau of National Statistics of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), Committee for Regulation of Natural Monopolies of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and industry transportation market data.