Kazakhstan Tops Trade Partnerships with China Among Central Asian Nations in the Year 2024
In 2024, China solidified its position as a dominant trade partner in Central Asia, with a total trade volume estimated at around $95 billion. This significant increase from the previous year's $89.4 billion highlights China's expanding strategic economic integration with the region [1][4].
According to the Chinese General Administration of Customs, Kazakhstan emerged as China's largest trade partner in Central Asia, with a trade turnover of approximately $44 billion. Nearly 5,000 Chinese firms operate in Kazakhstan, and Chinese investments have surpassed $26 billion [4][5].
Uzbekistan saw a notable surge, with China accounting for around 80% of its natural gas exports. Bilateral trade reached over $4.2 billion in early 2025, making Uzbekistan China's third-largest trading partner in the region, surpassing Russia and Kazakhstan [1][3].
Turkmenistan, China's largest natural gas supplier in Central Asia, maintains its strategic importance through critical projects like Line D of the China-Central Asia Gas Pipeline, delivering 85 billion cubic meters of natural gas to China annually [1].
Tajikistan also experienced growth, becoming China's largest trading partner by 2025, with China holding 24.8% of the country’s foreign trade turnover. This strong presence is underpinned by significant investments and infrastructure development [3].
The Kyrgyz Republic ranked second among China's trade partners in Central Asia in 2024, with a trade turnover of $22.71 billion. Tajikistan ranked fifth, with a trade turnover of $3.86 billion [2].
This trade growth is supported by expansions in trade infrastructure, such as railways and container terminals, energy import dependency, and increased presence in renewable energy sectors [1][4]. The trade surplus of China in 2024 was a significant portion of its total trade volume, which was $6.16 trillion, and one of the highest recorded in recent years [2].
Summary Table
| Central Asian Country | Approx. Trade Volume with China (2024) | Role/Highlights | |----------------------|----------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Kazakhstan | $44 billion | Largest trade partner; major Chinese investments; many Chinese firms operating | | Uzbekistan | Over $4.2 billion (early 2025 data) | China accounts for ~80% gas exports; top trade partner surpassing Russia | | Turkmenistan | Major natural gas supplier | Critical energy pipeline supplier (China-Central Asia Gas Pipeline, Line D) | | Tajikistan | $3.86 billion | China's fifth-largest trading partner; strong infrastructure and investment presence | | Kyrgyz Republic | $22.71 billion | Second-largest trade partner |
This trade turnover of nearly $95 billion underscores China's expanding strategic economic integration with Central Asia in 2024, emphasizing energy imports and infrastructure connectivity [1][4].
Note: The trade figures for Uzbekistan and Tajikistan specifically reference early 2025 data but indicate ongoing growth from 2024 trends [3].
In the realm of finance, China's trade volume with Central Asia, amounting to nearly $95 billion in 2024, signifies a substantial expansion in its business dealings with the region. This growth is particularly noteworthy in the industries of energy and infrastructure, as evidenced by China's strategic partnerships and investments.
