Mongolia Urges Tobacco Clause Removal From EAEU Agreement

A member of the Mongolian parliament, Nominchimeg Odsuren, has called for removing a provision on lifting duties on tobacco products from the draft trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

She expressed concern that Kazakhstan could dominate Mongolia’s tobacco market, Orda.kz reports, citing Ulaanbaatar News.

Negotiations for a temporary trade agreement between Mongolia and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) began in 2024. The draft was discussed on April 22 during a session of Mongolia’s State Great Khural, the country's parliament.

MP Nominchimeg urged that the clause on duty-free tobacco trade be excluded, citing public health concerns. According to her, smoking accounts for 17% of all deaths in Mongolia.

In a comment to Ulaanbaatar News, she further explained her initiative:

Otherwise, there’s a risk that the main supplier, Kazakhstan, could even establish its own production here. 

Her warning reflects concerns that Kazakhstan could dominate the Mongolian tobacco market through both imports and local production.

The temporary duty-free agreement between Mongolia and the EAEU is expected to be signed in May 2025.

Original Author: Igor Ulitin