Chicken Eggs - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 6

Agriculture

Kazakhstan Extends Ban on Chicken Egg Imports to Support Domestic Producers

Kazakhstan has decided to extend a ban on chicken egg imports in an effort to support domestic poultry producers. The restriction will also apply to imports from member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), despite the absence of customs borders within the bloc. The decision was made during a meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission on Foreign Trade and Participation in International Economic Organizations, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin. The commission reviewed several key issues affecting the country’s food security and economic policy. “An import ban on chicken eggs will be introduced for six months, including imports from EAEU countries. The relevant order will be adopted by the Ministry of Agriculture,” the government press service said following the meeting. According to the government, Kazakhstan currently has 70 poultry farms, including 34 specializing in egg production, 29 focused on meat production, and seven engaged in breeding and reproduction. In 2025, domestic production of chicken eggs increased by 2.4% to reach 4.57 billion eggs. As a result, local production now covers approximately 98% of domestic demand. Kazakhstan previously introduced temporary restrictions on egg imports in December 2025, when the Ministry of Agriculture imposed a one-month ban on imports of fresh chicken eggs. That measure expired on January 11, 2026. Earlier, a similar restriction had already been in place from April 2025 for six months. Taken together, these measures effectively closed Kazakhstan’s egg market to imports for more than a year. The commission also reviewed the possibility of introducing restrictions on potato exports. After assessing domestic market conditions, however, officials decided not to impose export limits. According to the government, stabilized prices and sufficient domestic supply make it possible to maintain potato exports without additional restrictions. At the same time, requirements for exporters seeking beef export quotas will be eased. The decision takes into account the government’s Comprehensive Livestock Development Plan, which aims to increase Kazakhstan’s cattle population from 7.9 million to 12 million head. The program also seeks to expand Kazakhstan’s beef export potential and open new foreign markets. The Ministry of Agriculture will amend the existing quota distribution rules accordingly. Meanwhile, authorities decided to extend the ban on the export of breeding livestock, including female cattle, as well as young bulls, in order to preserve breeding stock and ensure sufficient supply for domestic meat processors. The restriction also applies to exports to EAEU member states. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan increased revenue from agricultural exports by more than one-third in 2025 compared to 2024.

Agriculture

Kyrgyzstan Exports Over 8 Million Eggs to Kazakhstan Amid Shifting Trade Policies

Between January and March 2025, Kyrgyzstan exported 8.8 million chicken eggs to neighboring Kazakhstan, according to Kyrgyzstan's Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture and Processing Industry. This marks the second consecutive year that Kyrgyzstan has achieved near-total self-sufficiency in egg production, enabling it to maintain consistent exports. In a move to support domestic poultry and egg producers, the Kyrgyz government has exempted feed and feed additives for the industry from value-added tax (VAT). Earlier this month, Kyrgyz authorities announced a temporary ban on egg imports to further protect domestic producers. As a result, the country currently imports no table eggs, though imports of hatching eggs, essential for poultry reproduction, continue. In the first quarter of 2025, Kyrgyzstan imported 2.26 million hatching eggs from five countries: Turkey, Uzbekistan, Russia, France, and Denmark. Meanwhile, in a parallel development, Kazakhstan introduced a six-month ban on chicken egg imports starting April 9. The Kazakh Ministry of Agriculture cited the need to protect local poultry farms during a period of seasonally low demand as the reason for the temporary restriction. These shifting trade dynamics highlight the strategic importance of the poultry sector in Central Asia and underscore the balancing act between supporting domestic production and ensuring market stability.

Agriculture

Kazakhstan Imposes Temporary Ban on Chicken Egg Imports

Starting April 9, Kazakhstan will impose a six-month ban on the import of fresh chicken eggs, aimed at supporting local poultry farms during a seasonally weak demand period. The measure, signed into effect by Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov, is outlined in Order No. 101 and targets eggs classified under code TN VED 040721. The ban applies to imports from both non-EAEU countries and fellow Eurasian Economic Union member states and covers all transportation modes. However, transit shipments through Kazakhstan and the movement of eggs between EAEU countries via Kazakh territory are exempt. Why the Ban Was Imposed The Ministry of Agriculture said the decision is intended to support local producers during spring and summer, when demand for eggs traditionally falls. With a seasonal influx of fresh produce and a larger share of household-produced goods on the market, egg prices often dip below cost, putting poultry farms under financial strain. Additionally, warmer temperatures shorten product shelf life and make it technologically difficult for producers to scale down operations. This often leads to warehouse overstocking. To counter these issues, the Interdepartmental Commission on Foreign Trade Policy approved the temporary import restrictions. “In order to protect the domestic market and the sustainability of enterprises, the Interdepartmental Commission on Foreign Trade Policy approved the establishment of temporary restrictive measures,” the ministry said. Advance Planning and Strategic Goals Discussions around restricting egg imports began in February 2025 as part of a broader government initiative to support domestic producers and combat gray imports. Officials expect the ban to help stabilize domestic prices, which surged nearly 12% year-on-year as of October 2024 due to seasonal fluctuations. Prices typically fall in summer but rise again in autumn to offset earlier losses. In a bid to strengthen long-term food security, construction of a new egg and mixed fodder production plant will begin in Turkestan region in 2024. Once operational, the facility is expected to produce around 200 million eggs annually. Authorities Confident in Domestic Supply Despite the potential for price hikes, Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliev assured the public there will be no shortage of eggs or poultry products. According to the ministry, domestic producers are capable of fully meeting the country’s summer demand. The government sees the temporary import ban as a strategic tool to stabilize the agro-industrial sector, shield local producers from unfair competition, and promote self-sufficiency in food production.

Agricultural Import

Kazakhstan to Ban Chicken Egg Imports from April

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture has drafted an order to ban the import of fresh chicken eggs for six months, beginning in April. The proposal, backed by the government’s interdepartmental commission, is expected to remain in effect through the end of September. The ban will apply to all imports of fresh eggs, regardless of transport mode, from both countries outside of and member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). However, it will not affect the transit of eggs through Kazakhstan, including shipments moving from one EAEU country to another, such as from Russia to Kyrgyzstan. The initiative was not proposed by the authorities but by the Association of Egg Producers. “The Association appealed to the Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture to consider a ban on egg imports from April to September,” said Kairat Maishev, head of the association. “A similar restriction was in place in 2024, from May to October. The goal is to curb illegal imports, prevent the entry of low-quality eggs, and support the development of the domestic industry.” Maishev stressed that the ban does not target legitimate importers but aims to ensure that imported eggs are properly documented and taxed. He also noted concerns about substandard products entering the market during the summer months. “In summer, the market often receives imports that do not meet shelf life and quality standards,” he stated. “It’s also difficult for authorities to regulate pricing for these products.” Kazakhstan currently has 34 poultry farms producing approximately five billion eggs annually, enough to meet domestic demand, according to the association. “We are confident that local producers can fully supply the population with quality products,” Maishev added. Official data shows that in 2024, Kazakhstan imported 87.4 million eggs and exported 43.2 million. Domestic production covered 99% of the national demand, with most imports originating from other EAEU countries. Government officials argue that the temporary ban will help strengthen the domestic egg industry and promote transparent pricing in the local market. In a related development, Kazakhstan suspended poultry imports in January from the U.S. states of Delaware and South Carolina, as well as Germany’s Baden-Württemberg region, due to outbreaks of avian influenza.