Kazakhstan’s retail sales rise 3.4% in January-April

Overall domestic trade showed steady expansion, with the sector’s physical volume index reaching 105.1 percent compared to the same period in 2025.

Wholesale trade continues to dominate the market, accounting for 67.7 percent of total turnover, while retail makes up 31.8 percent. Wholesale turnover reached 15,068.8 billion tenge, with growth mainly driven by non-food and industrial goods. The largest wholesale activity is concentrated in Almaty, Astana, as well as Atyrau and Karaganda region.

Retail sales amounted to 7,082.2 billion tenge, increasing by 3.4 percent year-on-year. Growth was driven by both companies and individual entrepreneurs, with stronger performance among small business owners.

Private companies dominate the retail sector with an 88 percent share, while foreign companies account for 12 percent. Non-food goods made up 68.9 percent of retail turnover, while food products accounted for 31.1 percent.

Almaty, Astana, as well as Karaganda and East Kazakhstan regions were the leaders of retail sales. Inventory levels as of May 1, 2026, were sufficient for about 68 days of trade.

Earlier, Qazinform reported manufacturing drives Kazakhstan’s GDP growth to 3.6%.