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.

Trump’s Tariff Blitz Targets Global Imports, Kazakhstan Faces Harshest Impact in Central Asia

U.S. President Donald Trump has announced sweeping new tariffs on all goods imported into the United States, citing the need to protect American industry and jobs. Speaking at a White House press conference, Trump outlined a base tariff rate of 10% that will apply to 185 countries. However, several nations and blocs face significantly higher rates: China will see a 34% tariff, the European Union 20%, Switzerland 31%, and Israel 17%. The steepest tariffs were imposed on Vietnam (46%), Cambodia (49%), and Laos (48%). Notably absent from the list are Russia, Belarus, Mexico, Iran, Canada, and Belarus. Ukraine, however, will face the base 10% rate. Kazakhstan Hit with 27% Tariff The new U.S. duties also target Central Asian nations. According to a comparative chart published by the White House, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan will face 10% tariffs on their exports to the U.S. Meanwhile, Kazakhstani goods will be subject to a much higher rate of 27%. The White House document notes that Kazakhstani imports currently face a 54% tariff in Kazakhstan, figures that surprised local analysts, who have questioned the methodology behind the calculations. The rationale for the elevated rate on Kazakhstan remains unclear. However, the country's Ministry of Trade and Integration has initiated consultations with his U.S. counterparts to explore options for exempting certain goods. According to a preliminary analysis, many of Kazakhstan’s key exports fall under exceptions outlined in U.S. regulations. “In 2024, trade turnover between Kazakhstan and the United States amounted to $4.2 billion,” the ministry stated. “Kazakhstan's primary exports to the U.S. - crude oil, uranium, silver, and ferroalloys - constitute 92% of total exports and are included in the exemption list under the U.S. President’s decree on reciprocal tariffs.” Turning Tariffs Into Opportunities Despite the steep new tariffs, some experts believe the impact on Kazakhstan will be limited. Financial analyst Rasul Rysmambetov argues that Kazakhstan’s marginal role in global trade dynamics shields it from major economic fallout. “The real battle is between the U.S. and the world’s largest economies, China and the EU,” Rysmambetov wrote on his Telegram channel. “Our trade with the U.S. accounts for less than 1% of Kazakhstan’s total foreign trade. Even with a 27% tariff, the effect will be negligible.” Rysmambetov noted that Kazakhstan exported over $2 billion worth of goods to the U.S. in 2024, while imports totaled $1 billion, maintaining a trade surplus for the tenth consecutive year. “We’re on the tariff list, but it’s mostly symbolic,” he added, emphasizing that Kazakhstan’s exports largely consist of strategic materials. Rysmambetov also sees potential upsides: countries facing new duties may seek alternative markets, possibly offering Kazakhstan better terms on imports such as equipment, metals, vehicles, and construction materials. “Global trade tensions can open windows of opportunity, for strategic borrowing, better equipment deals, and expanded exports. But quick action is key,” he concluded. International Backlash The U.S. move drew swift condemnation from European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who called the policy a “severe blow to the global economy.” “Uncertainty will...