It was decided to extend the ban on wheat imports to Kazakhstan until the end of this year, given the continuing threat of "gray imports" and the forecast for a high harvest in the country. The decision was made on July 26 at a meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission on Foreign Trade Policy and Participation in International Economic Organizations (IDC) chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin, the government press service reported.
"The ban on wheat imports to Kazakhstan by all types of transport has been extended until the end of the year. There is still a threat of wheat imports to the country through "gray schemes" and its re-export by road from the border regions of the Russian Federation. Forecasts for the grain harvest, which is expected to be higher than last year in Kazakhstan, were also taken into account," the government noted.
In addition, the IDC decided to extend the ban on the export of breeding stock of cattle and small cattle from the territory of Kazakhstan for a period of six months. This ban was introduced in Kazakhstan on January 8 of this year. When making the decision, the members of the Commission took into account the tasks of large-scale construction of dairy farms and support for the development of livestock farming using the Australian method.
In order to support domestic producers of juices and drinks, the IDC also approved a reduction in customs duties on the import of apricot, pear and peach puree.
Recall: in April 2023, Kazakhstan introduced a ban on the import of Russian wheat by road due to large volumes of smuggling. And in April 2024, deliveries by rail and water were also banned. Exceptions were provided for transit by rail and deliveries to flour mills and poultry enterprises also by rail. These enterprises can use imported grain exclusively for their own needs with a ban on its sale on the domestic and export markets.
In addition to the ban on wheat imports, Kazakhstan is considering the issue of introducing an export duty on grain.