Kazakhstan suspends potato exports to Uzbekistan for six months

Kazakhstan has temporarily restricted the export of potatoes to third-party countries, including Uzbekistan, for six months following a significant rise in domestic prices, according to Kazinform.

The government press service reported that the Prime Minister instructed the Ministries of Agriculture and Trade and Integration to monitor the situation in the country's potato market regularly.

“Due to increased demand from neighboring countries, particularly Uzbekistan, and high export prices, potato exports this year rose by 1.5 times, from 411,000 tons to 605,000 tons. This surge in demand has impacted the domestic market. Last week, a sharp price increase among exporters was recorded (from 170 to 270 tenge),” the government statement noted.

To stabilize potato prices in the domestic market, the Interdepartmental Commission on Trade Activities decided to restrict exports to third-party countries for six months.

“This measure does not apply to EAEU member states, although exports in this direction will be monitored. Additionally, considering the current situation, the issuance of phytosanitary certificates for exports was completely suspended as of January 16,” the statement added.

According to Kazakhstan's Ministry of Agriculture, current reserves are sufficient to meet domestic demand until the 2025 harvest. As of January 19, more than 850,000 tons of potatoes are in stock.