ASTANA — Kazakhstan’s economy grew 4.1% in the first seven months of 2026, maintaining the pace recorded in the first half of the year despite an 8.9% decline in oil production, reported the Ministry of National Economy on Aug.11. According to preliminary data from the Bureau of National Statistics (BNS), oil production totaled 53.2 million tons from January through July. Economist Ruslan Sultanov said the latest data suggest growth is being generated across several parts of the economy rather than moving entirely in line with oil production. The BNS data show an interesting configuration: declining oil production is so far coinciding with the overall GDP growth rate being maintained. The IMF projected Kazakhstan’s economy to grow approximately 4.6% in 2026, while identifying potential oil export disruptions, global uncertainty and inflationary pressures as key risks to the outlook.