Kazakhstan to ban wheat imports for six months
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Kazakhstan's Agriculture Ministry proposed a six-month ban on wheat imports from third countries and EAEU states via road, water, and rail. The ban exempts rail shipments to poultry farms, flour mills, licensed elevators, and state grain reserves.
The Proposed Ban
The Agriculture Ministry's draft order would prohibit wheat imports for six months by road, water, and rail from all third countries and EAEU member states. The ban targets imports from Russia and other EAEU nations, which have been a major source of cheap wheat. The measure aims to protect domestic producers amid a bumper harvest.
Exemptions and Transit
Rail shipments to poultry farms, flour mills, licensed elevators, and the state grain reserve (Prodkorporatsiya) are exempt. Imported wheat for these enterprises cannot be resold on domestic or foreign markets. Transit shipments through Kazakhstan and those moving between EAEU states are also exempt.
Market Context
Kazakhstan's wheat harvest in 2025 reached 16.4 million tonnes, up 12% from 2024, according to the Bureau of National Statistics. Domestic consumption is about 8 million tonnes, leaving a surplus. Cheap Russian wheat has pressured local prices, prompting the ministry to act.
Additional Export Restrictions
On March 22, Kazakhstan restricted exports of wheat flour, sunseed, and sunflower oil. On March 20, Russia implemented a temporary ban on certain food exports.
Sanctions Impact on Kazakhstan
The sanctions imposed on Russia after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine have exacerbated agricultural challenges for Kazakhstan. The world's largest landlocked country has banned cheap wheat imports to boost its own grain exports, but farmers report ongoing difficulties.
What's Next
The draft order is open for public comment until July 17, 2026. It remains unclear when the ban will take effect and whether it will be approved without changes.
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Kazakhstan to ban wheat imports for six months
