Kazakhstan Lifts Wheat Import Ban, Keeps Door Open for New Controls

Kazakhstan has allowed its wheat import ban to expire as of January 1, though agriculture officials say they're ready to implement new measures if market conditions require it.

The Ministry of Agriculture confirmed to ElDala.kz that it won't extend the restrictions in place in August 2024. While imports can proceed freely, the ministry plans to closely monitor the domestic market situation.

The issue of introducing any non-tariff measures to regulate imports of wheat will be decided taking into account the situation on the grain market, in particular: grain reserves, the level of supply and demand on the market, the need to protect the interests of domestic producers and take measures to combat 'gray imports' and illegal re-export schemes, as well as circumstances on the global grain marketThe Ministry of Agriculture explained. 

The original ban was implemented during Kazakhstan's record wheat harvest last year, which created challenges for local farmers.

Before August, the country had maintained partial restrictions with exemptions for flour mills and poultry farms.

Original Author: Zarina Fayzulina

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