Browse Data and Analysis

This report highlights export certification requirements for Kazakhstan. Please note that certification requirements may continue to change as Kazakhstan reforms its standards and regulations to meet Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and World Trade Organization (WTO) commitments.

This report is an overview of the general legal and technical requirements for food and agricultural imports imposed by Kazakhstan.

Uzbekistan is one of Central Asia’s fastest-growing consumer markets, powered by strong GDP growth (6.5 percent in 2024; 5.9 percent forecast in 2025) and a population rising by 1 million annually. Urbanization, a young middle class, and shifting consumer habits are driving rapid demand for modern retail, packaged foods, and convenience formats.

On March 14, 2025, the Ministry of Trade and Integration announced the second stage of 2025 meat and poultry quotas by HS code for historic suppliers (i.e., importers).

A larger than average crop this year caused Kazakhstan to introduce export subsidies for shipping wheat to Europe and other Central Asian countries effective through September 1, 2025.

Uzbekistan’s cotton sector is at a crossroads. While opportunities for high-value-added products like textiles and ready-to-wear apparel are expanding, the industry faces financial constraints, shrinking farmland, and water shortages.

Kazakhstan’s total wheat production has been revised up to 16.5 million metric tons as good weather during last year’s summer vegetative period resulted in a larger than average crop. Barley production estimates are raised slightly to 3.8 million metric tons.

Uzbekistan plans to increase its textile exports from $3 billion to $7 billion by 2028, which depends on a stable supply of raw cotton. However, this goal faces challenges as cotton production is under pressure due to various factors.

On December 30, 2024, the Ministry of Trade and Integration announced the first stage of 2025 meat and poultry quotas by HS code for historic suppliers (i.e., importers). The first stage approved the distribution of 2,835 tons of beef and 31,500 tons of poultry.

Kazakhstan has not announced any changes to its biotechnology policies. Major challenges like climate change, variable weather, monocropping wheat, and the reliance on Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) member biotechnology regulations could be a future catalyst for Kazakhstan to develop its own biotechnology law.

Kazakh farmers are finishing harvest, having dealt with rains in early September and cold night temperatures in October that reduced overall quality but only marginally affected quantity.

Biblical rain in Kazakhstan’s major growing regions has cut wheat and barley production, reducing its quantity and quality.