Kazakhstan Eases Beef Export Rules, Extends Livestock Ban

A recent meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission on Foreign Trade and Participation in International Economic Organizations (IFC) has resulted in several key decisions for Kazakhstan's agricultural sector. The commission, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister – Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin, addressed measures impacting food and economic security.

One significant outcome is the easing of requirements for beef exporters to obtain quotas. The current system mandates that companies possess their own feedlot for at least 5,000 head of cattle and their own meat processing plant. These rules will now be revised by the Ministry of Agriculture to facilitate exports.

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, to preserve breeding stock and ensure supply for domestic processors, the commission decided to extend the existing ban on exporting breeding stock of large and small ruminants, including young bulls, even to fellow Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member states.

In a separate decision aimed at protecting local producers, a six-month ban on imports of chicken eggs will be introduced. This restriction will also apply to imports from EAEU countries. The domestic industry is robust, with 70 poultry farms operating in Kazakhstan—34 focused on egg production—and self-sufficiency reaching 98% in 2025 with output of over 4.5 billion eggs.

The commission also reviewed but ultimately rejected a proposal to ban imports of railway rolling stock components and track elements from third countries. Following discussions with domestic manufacturers and consumers like Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ), it was deemed inadvisable. Instead, KTJ was instructed to prioritize purchasing these components from local producers.

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