Howard Lutnick and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Photo: Press Service of the President of Kazakhstan
The United States and Kazakhstan have signed the “largest-ever” locomotive supply agreement worth $4 billion, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick announced on X.
The deal followed a conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
“As our rail industry faces unfair attacks in the rush toward all-electric trains, this agreement provides vital support for one of our most important sectors,” Lutnick stated.
According to him, the locomotives will support the development of a transport corridor linking Europe and Asia. “This is about American innovation leading the world, supporting thousands of jobs in Texas and Pennsylvania, and strengthening the U.S.–Kazakhstan partnership,” he wrote.
He did not specify which U.S. companies are involved or what roles they will play in production.
Meanwhile, according to the Akorda presidential office, the deal involves U.S. company Wabtec. The $4.2 billion contract provides for the production of 300 advanced freight locomotives in Kazakhstan, along with their servicing.
Wabtec is recognized as a global leader in transport technology and is considered a key partner in Kazakhstan’s railway modernization, according to the statement.
Since 2009, Wabtec Kazakhstan has operated a locomotive assembly plant in Astana, which has produced more than 600 locomotives for Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) and for export. Localization of production has now reached 45 percent. Last year, the company opened a technology and engineering center in Kazakhstan to drive innovation and train specialists.
The locomotive deal was signed during President Tokayev’s working visit to New York.
