Kazakhstan restricts wheat imports for six months

Kazakhstan has introduced a partial ban on wheat imports for a period of six months; such an order was signed by Agriculture Minister Aidarbek Saparov.

"Introduce a ban for a period of six months on the import of wheat (Eurasian Economic Union foreign economic activity commodity nomenclature code: 1001) to the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan from third countries and from Eurasian Economic Union countries by road, water and rail transport, with the exception of the import of wheat by rail to poultry and grain processing enterprises, licensed elevators, JSC 'National Company Food Contract Corporation,'" the document states.

At the same time, wheat imported to poultry and grain processing enterprises is not subject to sale on domestic and foreign markets.

Earlier, Deputy Agriculture Minister Azat Sultanov reported that the republic plans to introduce a partial ban on wheat imports starting in July 2026.

"This is related to the harvest of winter crops in Russia. At the same time, we have large carryover grain stocks. Accordingly, in order to free up elevators (imports are restricted - IF), it will be difficult by the new harvest if we do not ensure the necessary storage and drying. Therefore, in order to stimulate the domestic market, such a decision was made," he noted.

Kazakhstan has imposed a temporary ban on wheat imports by all modes of transport since August 2024, which was in effect until the end of 2024. Exceptions were maintained for rail deliveries to processing enterprises and certain industries according to permit lists.

The main supplier of wheat to Kazakhstan is Russia. According to the Grain Union of Kazakhstan, imports of Russian wheat to Kazakhstan in September 2025 - April 2026 amounted to 1 million 537 thousand tons. In April alone, 280 thousand tons were imported, which is almost 38% less than in March.