Kazakhstan Railways (KTZ) has suspended the acceptance of new cargo and the transfer of empty wagons at two major border crossings with China, Altynkol and Dostyk. The restriction, in place since early December, will remain effective until the end of the month.

KTZ cited the accumulation of loaded and empty cars at the Dostyk and Altynkol border stations as the primary reason for the suspension. A representative stated that abandoned trains and congestion have exacerbated the issue, requiring temporary measures to manage the situation.

The Kazakh-Chinese border crossings have faced logistical challenges multiple times in 2024. In September, Kazakhstan temporarily ceased grain exports to China via rail, and container train acceptance at the Dostyk crossing was halted for several weeks between September and October. These disruptions have had varied impacts on trade along the Middle Corridor, a key route for regional and international freight,