Kazakhstan has implemented a ban on wheat imports, effective from August 21, 2024, through December 31, 2024. This decision, announced by the Interdepartmental Commission on Foreign Trade Policy and Participation in International Economic Organizations, aims to protect the domestic grain market and address concerns about grain re-export.
Statistics reveal that wheat imports for the first half of this year have reached 1.3mn tons, nearly matching the total import volume for 2023. However, Kazakhstan’s domestic market is well-supplied with reserves from the previous harvest.
As of July 1, 2024, the country held approximately 6.1mn tons of grain, including 5.1mn tons of wheat, of which 4mn tons are designated for food purposes.
The decision to ban imports comes in light of favorable growing conditions this season, which are expected to lead to a substantial grain harvest. The ban aims to prevent potential market oversupply and safeguard local producers.
Under the new regulations, the import of wheat will be prohibited from all third countries and Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states, with exceptions for transit through Kazakhstan and intra-EAEU movement. The Order of the Minister of Agriculture, dated August 19, 2024, outlines these restrictions and will be enforced until the end of the year.
Kazakhstan's grain crop area this year covers 16.7mn hectares. In global wheat production, Kazakhstan ranks 14th, producing over 12mn tons annually.
In addition, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that Kazakhstan’s wheat output for 2023 reached 12.1mn tons. For the 2023/24 marketing year (July/June), wheat exports are projected to total 9mn tons.
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