Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan, Serik Zhumangarin, has outlined the conditions under which the government may once again restrict potato exports.
In January, Kazakh authorities introduced a six-month ban on the export of potatoes to countries outside the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). This measure was prompted by a surge in export demand, particularly from neighboring Uzbekistan and a 1.5-fold increase in volumes, which triggered a sharp rise in domestic prices.
Zhumangarin warned that a similar scenario could unfold next year. Speaking at a government briefing, he explained the threshold for export restrictions:
“Based on consumption standards of 100 kilograms per person, we need about 2 to 2.1 million tons of potatoes domestically. Therefore, when exports reach a critical level of 500 to 600 thousand tons, we will begin to restrict them. Potatoes are much more expensive in neighboring countries, and this is our competitive advantage. Our producers earn money from exports, and we do not interfere with them. But when it comes to supplying the domestic market, after selling 500 to 600 thousand tons, we will most likely close exports or introduce quotas,” he said.
According to Deputy Minister of Agriculture Azat Sultanov, this year’s potato harvest totaled 2.9 million tons. With domestic demand at approximately 2.1 million tons, the export potential stands at around 800,000 tons. However, accounting for potential storage losses, the government is using a more conservative estimate of 500,000 to 600,000 tons.
Zhumangarin stated that 300,000 tons of the new crop have already been exported, with another 200,000 tons under contract. As a result, the threshold for possible export curbs has effectively been reached. He also noted that domestic prices have stabilized.
“Potatoes now cost about $0.34 per kilogram. Earlier, in the spring, they reached $0.50 to $0.70. Now the price is normal,” Zhumangarin said.
Earlier this year, The Times of Central Asia reported that due to frenzied demand, restrictions on potato sales to individual buyers were introduced in Astana and other major cities. At the peak of the shortage, prices reached as high as $0.96 per kilogram.
