Russia Requests Kazakhstan Suspend Grain Exports

Rosselkhoznadzor has requested that Kazakhstan suspend exporting grain, tomatoes, peppers, and sunflower seeds to Russia.

The Russian Ministry has asked the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan to suspend the issuance of phytosanitary certificates to export these goods.

The Rosselkhoznadzor claims that infestants and diseases have become more common in Kazakhstan’s products.

The Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation’s statement:

Due to the increase in identified quarantine objects, the Rosselkhoznadzor appealed to the State Inspection Committee in the agro-industrial complex of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan with a request to suspend the issuance of phytosanitary certificates for grain and grain processing products, tomatoes and peppers, as well as sunflower seeds for sowing (origin of third countries) exported to Russia from September 23, 2024.

The representative of the Grain Union of Kazakhstan, Yevgeny Karabanov, believes that the situation could lead to a trade war between the countries.

Our authorities have two options: either lift the ban on the import of Russian wheat or impose a ban on the import of flour, dairy, meat products, and other products. However, it should be kept in mind that in response, a ban on the transit of coal, oil, and petroleum products may follow... In the second case, leaving the EurAsEC will be a logical step that will lead to its end,  the expert said in an interview with APK-Novosti.

Evgeny Karabanov also stressed this as an official warning that Russia will strictly protect its economic interests.

Original Author: Zarina Fayzulina