Kazakhstan Eases Beef Export Quota Rules, Extends Livestock Export Ban

A recent meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission on Foreign Trade and Participation in International Economic Organizations (IFC) has resulted in significant policy shifts affecting Kazakhstan's agricultural and industrial sectors. The session, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin, focused on measures to ensure food and economic security.

One of the key decisions involves simplifying the requirements for domestic companies to obtain quotas for beef exports. The current mechanism mandates that exporters must own a feedlot with a capacity of at least 5,000 head and their own meat processing plant. These rules are set to be revised by the Ministry of Agriculture. This move aligns with the government's comprehensive livestock development plan, which aims to increase the national cattle population from 7.9 million to 12 million head and expand export markets for Kazakh beef.

However, in a measure designed to protect domestic breeding stock and ensure raw materials for local processors, the commission decided to extend an existing ban on the export of breeding cattle and sheep, as well as young bulls. This prohibition remains in force even for trade with fellow Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states.

In another major decision aimed at supporting local producers, a six-month moratorium was introduced on the import of chicken eggs, including from EAEU countries. This step follows data showing robust domestic production; Kazakhstan currently has 70 poultry farms, with 34 specializing in egg production. In 2025, output reached over 4.5 billion eggs, satisfying approximately 98% of domestic demand.

The commission also addressed industrial policy by rejecting a proposal to ban imports of railway rolling stock components and track elements from third countries. After hearing from domestic manufacturers and consumers like Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), it was deemed inadvisable to impose restrictions. Instead, KTZ was instructed to prioritize purchasing these components from Kazakh producers whenever possible.

Finally, citing stabilized prices and sufficient reserves in the domestic market, the commission decided against introducing temporary restrictions on potato exports.