Transshipment of Kazakh coal through Russian ports in January-October 2025 increased to 9.6 million tons (2.5 million tons or 34% YoY).
The main growth occurred in the ports of the Azov-Black Sea basin, where 3.4 million tons (1.5 million tons, or 83%) were handled. Transit through the Baltic ports increased to 6.2 million tons (0.9 million tons, or 18% compared to the same period last year).
Transshipment of Kazakh coal through Baltic terminals
The increase is due to agreements reached in April 2025 between Russian Railways (RZD) and Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) on increasing coal supplies to Russian ports. The EU's July decision to exempt operations with some Russian ports for the transit of Kazakh coal from sanctions played a key role.
Meanwhile, the increase in transit of Kazakhstani raw materials is taking place against the background of the crisis in the Russian coal industry and a reduction in Russian coal supplies to the northwest. The promised discount of Russian Railways on rail freight in the amount of 12.8% has not yet been implemented. Moreover, this route remains unprofitable for Russian coal exporters, incurring record losses amid rising transport tariffs, sanctions and low coal prices.
The total transshipment of coal (both Kazakh and Russian) in the ports of Northwestern Russia decreased to 35.3 million tons (-3.0 million tons or -7.8% YoY).
