Imports - The Times Of Central Asia

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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.

Consumer Prices

Prices in Turkmenistan Rise Sharply Due to the Situation in the Middle East

Military activity in neighboring Iran has begun to directly affect Turkmenistan’s economy. Disruptions to supplies from a key trading partner have triggered a sharp increase in prices for food, household chemicals, building materials, and cigarettes. According to retailers, this may only be the beginning as existing stocks are running low and prices continue to climb. Despite having domestic production, Turkmenistan remains heavily dependent on imports from Iran, particularly for food products, household chemicals, and construction materials. The conflict in Iran has disrupted established logistics routes, causing prices for several categories of goods to rise significantly across Turkmenistan. Vegetables and citrus fruits have seen some of the steepest increases. Prices for potatoes and cucumbers have risen by three to three-and-a-half times, while citrus fruits have become about 50% more expensive. Cigarette prices have already increased by roughly 40%, and traders warn that further rises are likely. At the end of February, a kilogram of potatoes imported from Iran cost between $1.45 and $1.74 in Ashgabat. The price has now risen to $4.93 per kilogram. A similar trend has been observed for cucumbers, whose price increased from $2.32 to $4.93 per kilogram. Citrus fruits have become even more expensive. Oranges have risen in price from $2.61 to $5.22 per kilogram, while mandarins have increased from $3.48 to $6.38. Residents of Turkmenistan are also facing higher prices for household chemicals. Although the increase has not yet been as dramatic, retailers say the upward trend is clear. Tobacco products have also risen significantly in price, with cigarettes increasing by an average of about 35%. The construction sector has also been affected. Prices for cement, wood, metal, and other building materials have increased by around 40%. These increases are linked to disruptions in established supply routes. Some construction materials were previously imported from the United Arab Emirates via Iran. Businesses are now being forced to search for alternative logistics routes, including through Georgia and Azerbaijan, which significantly increases transportation costs. On March 4, customs regulation issues were discussed at a meeting of Turkmenistan’s Security Council. However, according to a report by the state news agency TDH, the head of the State Customs Service, Maksat Khudaygulyev, did not address the current supply disruptions. His remarks focused on the planned development of the agency. Price increases linked to events in Iran are not new for Turkmenistan. A similar situation was observed in the summer during the 12-day war. Supply problems also emerged in the fall of 2024, when Iran temporarily closed its border. During that period, vegetable oil prices increased significantly and shortages were reported.

Imports

Kyrgyzstan Temporarily Bans Import of Fruit and Berry Seedlings from Non-EAEU Countries

From March 1, Kyrgyzstan will introduce a temporary ban on the import of fruit and berry seedlings from countries outside the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The restriction will remain in effect for six months and will not apply to re-export or transit operations, according to a resolution adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers. The government states that the measure is intended to ensure food security, improve the efficiency of agricultural production, and strengthen quality control over imported planting materials. The Ministry of Agriculture of Kyrgyzstan notes that the range of fruit and berry crops cultivated in the country has expanded significantly in recent years, necessitating clearer market regulation and the development of modern varieties that meet export standards as well as domestic demand. Officials expect the temporary ban to reduce import dependence and stimulate the development of domestic nurseries. According to government estimates, the measure will improve farmers’ access to high-quality locally produced seedlings and support the long-term development of the sector. Ahead of the announcement, Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev stated that funding for the agricultural sector in 2026 will increase to $468.6 million, representing a $114 million rise compared to the previous year. Priority areas include product processing, value-added production, and food security. The authorities emphasize that temporary restrictions on the import and export of agricultural products are viewed as policy instruments to advance these strategic objectives.

public transport

Kazakhstan’s Falcon EuroBus to Supply 600 Electric Buses to Pakistan

Falcon EuroBus, founded in 2018 in Almaty, has signed an agreement with Pakistan to supply 600 electric buses. The deal is one of the largest export contracts for Kazakhstan’s engineering industry in the public transport sector. Falcon EuroBus produces a range of buses that meet European quality standards. The company’s current production capacity stands at 1,500 buses per year, with plans to expand it to 3,000 units. Uzbekistan and Mongolia have already expressed interest in its products, and Pakistan has now joined that list. A memorandum on the supply of electric buses was signed between Falcon EuroBus and Pakistani carrier OGCC International at the Kazakhstan–Pakistan business forum in Islamabad, held during the state visit of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The first deliveries are scheduled to begin in April. The contract covers 600 electric buses and is valued at $108 million. By 2027–2028, the company plans to increase exports to Pakistan to 2,000 buses, including vehicles designed for transporting schoolchildren. “We carry out the full production cycle for buses. For us, this is an entry into a large market. In addition to the current contract, agreements have been reached on the prospects of supplying 2,000 school buses,” said Murat Adilkhanov, chairman of the board of directors of Falcon EuroBus. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Trade and Integration described the agreement as strategically important for promoting the Made in Kazakhstan brand and expanding exports of high-tech products. A total of 32 commercial documents were signed at the forum. Samruk-Kazyna JSC and Pakistan’s Fauji Group agreed to establish a joint investment platform. Kazakhstan Temir Zholy and Pakistan’s National Logistics Corporation reached an agreement on cooperation in multimodal transport. Kazposhta signed memoranda with Pakistan Post and TCS Private Limited. The Aktau Seaport and the Port of Karachi also agreed to expand cooperation. The Times of Central Asia previously reported that more than 171,000 vehicles were produced in Kazakhstan in 2025, a record for the industry. Output of commercial vehicles, including buses, reached 12,200 units, up 8% year on year.

EU Sanctions

Kyrgyzstan’s Sanctions Dilemma: Drifting from the Central Asian Consensus?

While Kyrgyzstan is improving relations with the United States by hosting the second B5+1 forum in its capital, with the participation of U.S. Special Representative for South and Central Asia Sergio Gor, Bishkek’s relations with Brussels appear to be deteriorating. The European Union is discussing possible sanctions against Kyrgyzstan, and is reportedly considering a ban on the import of certain categories of goods into the country. According to Bloomberg, which was the first to disclose details of the EU’s upcoming 20th package of sanctions against Russia, Brussels is prepared to restrict Kyrgyzstan’s trade in machine tools and radio equipment over allegations of helping the Kremlin circumvent existing bans. The Kyrgyz government has already responded to the report. On February 3, Deputy Prime Minister Daniyar Amangeldiev held a video conference with EU sanctions envoy David O’Sullivan, during which the sides agreed to engage in “constructive and substantive dialogue on issues related to sanctions.” Further discussions are expected during O’Sullivan’s visit to Bishkek at the end of the month, scheduled for February 26. Even before the EU representative’s visit, Kyrgyz officials have publicly commented on the prospect of sanctions, offering a clear sense of the tone likely to shape the dialogue. In an interview with Azattyk, Amangeldiev stressed that Kyrgyzstan has imposed restrictions on the export of dual-use goods, including weapons, and therefore sees no grounds for measures against the state. He also suggested that any potential restrictions might not take the form of sanctions against Kyrgyzstan itself, but rather recommendations to individual EU member states not to supply certain goods to the republic. Deputy Chairman of Kyrgyzstan's Cabinet of Ministers, Edil Baisalov, emphasized that Bishkek consistently communicates its position to European officials, arguing that its “trade relations with Russia do not cause any damage to third countries.” As a negotiating advantage, Baisalov pointed to what he described as growing international attention toward Kyrgyzstan. “Compared to the past, interest in our country and in the history of its socio-economic strengthening has grown significantly,” Baisalov said. “I believe the European authorities have enough patience, wisdom, and understanding not to damage relations with the Kyrgyz Republic. There is no need to create the impression that they intend to restrict us in any way or undermine our policy of national development and economic strengthening.” At the same time, small and medium-sized businesses in Kyrgyzstan are already facing serious difficulties due to the existing sanctions regime, even though these measures do not directly target the country’s key economic sectors. The logistics sector has been hit hardest. Delivery times have increased, costs have risen, visa requirements for drivers have tightened, and the volume of required documentation has expanded significantly. International payments have emerged as a separate challenge. Transfers in dollars, euros, and other currencies are increasingly delayed. Banks demand additional explanations, scrutinize the origin of funds, and in some cases suspend transactions indefinitely, creating cash-flow gaps. To reduce risks, companies are spreading payments across multiple banks: one for ruble transactions, another for Europe, and a third for...

Nipah Virus

Kyrgyzstan Bans Animal Imports from India to Prevent Nipah Virus Spread

On January 28, Kyrgyzstan’s Veterinary Service imposed temporary restrictions on the import of live animals and animal products from India in response to confirmed cases of Nipah virus infections. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nipah virus is a severe zoonotic disease transmitted to humans through contact with infected animals, such as fruit bats or pigs, or through consumption of food contaminated by bat secretions. Human-to-human transmission is also possible through close contact. The virus has an estimated case-fatality rate of 40% to 75%. Two confirmed cases of Nipah virus were reported in late December in India’s eastern state of West Bengal. Both infected individuals were healthcare workers. Following these reports, authorities in Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia intensified airport screenings to contain the risk of cross-border transmission. Kyrgyzstan’s Ministry of Health has issued a statement urging the public to remain calm, noting that no cases of Nipah virus have been registered in the country. The ministry assured that the healthcare system is prepared to respond swiftly to potential epidemiological threats. As a preventive measure, sanitary and quarantine controls have been tightened at Kyrgyzstan’s border crossings. The ministry continues to collaborate with the WHO and other international partners to monitor developments and coordinate containment efforts. In neighboring Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Health issued a similar statement confirming that no cases of Nipah virus infection have been detected and that the epidemiological situation remains under control. As a precaution, Kazakhstan has also enhanced screening procedures at all border checkpoints, with special attention to travelers arriving from India and Southeast Asia.