Kazakhstan Lifts Gallium Export Duty

Kazakhstan has scrapped a 10% export duty on gallium and temporarily banned the export of raw non-ferrous metals in a bid to boost domestic processing and position itself in the global high-tech materials market, Orda.kz reports.

The decision was made during a meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission on Foreign Trade Policy.

Authorities hope the removal of the gallium duty will encourage local industrial production of the metal, which is used in electronics, renewable energy, and advanced technologies.

Although Kazakhstan has not produced gallium in recent years, officials say the country has sufficient raw material reserves to enter the international market.

At the same time, the government has imposed a temporary export ban on copper, aluminum, and lead billets and ingots. The restriction applies to all transport modes and will remain in effect until December 31, 2025. The goal is to retain strategic raw materials for domestic processors, reduce the export of low-value goods, and stimulate growth in the country's non-ferrous metal refining sector.

The move comes amid growing interest in Kazakhstan’s reserves of rare and rare earth metals.

At least 15 deposits have been identified, and exploration is already underway by U.S., South Korean, and Canadian firms. Officials believe the country could become a key link in global supply chains for critical materials.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov