Tajikistan Revises Export Duties to Boost Domestic Processing

The government of Tajikistan has approved revised export duties on raw materials and semi-processed goods, a move that has prompted considerable discussion within the business community. The changes, which directly affect exporters and producers, are intended to stimulate domestic processing and reduce the export of unrefined resources. The key reform replaces fixed tariffs with duties calculated as a percentage of a product’s market value. Previously, export duties were set at: €300 per ton for leather 20% or €100 per ton for silk and cocoons 10% for cotton fiber Under the new rules, export duties fluctuate with global market prices, allowing for more adaptive regulation. According to the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, the reform is designed to promote higher-value production within Tajikistan. “The goal of this resolution is to reduce the export of raw materials and support the production of high-value goods,” said First Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Trade Ashurboy Solekhzoda. The revised duties apply to a range of commodities including cotton fiber, leather, silk, cocoons, minerals, concentrates, plant juices, and other semi-processed goods. However, around 34 categories of raw materials remain exempt from export duties. Tajikistan’s approach mirrors policies implemented in neighboring states. Kazakhstan imposes export duties on 44 product categories, including leather, wool, scrap metal, sunflower seeds, and oil. In Uzbekistan, export duties apply to over 86 types of goods, with some rates reaching as high as 100%. Such measures aim to reduce reliance on raw material exports, stimulate domestic value-added industries, and enhance export competitiveness. Economists and industry observers say the new policy could incentivize companies to expand local processing operations and reduce dependence on commodity exports. It may also enhance Tajikistan’s attractiveness to foreign investors interested in long-term, value-driven partnerships. Over time, the revised export framework is expected to help strengthen the national economy and integrate Tajikistan more deeply into regional supply chains across Central Asia.

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.