Decision to Combat ‘Grey Schemes’ and Ensure Local Harvest Utilization
Kazakhstan has extended its ban on wheat imports by all modes of transport until the end of the year. This decision was made at the Interdepartmental Commission meeting on July 26, as reported by the Prime Minister’s press service.
Reasons Behind the Extension
The primary reason for the extension is the ongoing threat of wheat being imported into Kazakhstan through “grey schemes” and its re-export via road transport from the border regions of the Russian Federation. Additionally, forecasts indicating a higher grain harvest in Kazakhstan this year compared to last year were considered in making this decision.
Impact on Local Millers and Farmers
The statement did not specify whether the import of Russian grain by millers, livestock breeders, and poultry farmers would still be allowed, as was previously the case. This lack of clarity leaves room for speculation and concern among these stakeholders, who rely on imported grain for their operations.
Previous Extensions and Statistics
The wheat import ban, initially imposed on April 10, 2023, had already been extended once before. According to APK-Inform, citing official statistics, approximately 1.8 million tons of wheat were officially imported into Kazakhstan from Russia between September 2023 and May 2024. This figure is higher compared to the 1.63 million tons imported during the same period of the previous season.
The extension of the wheat import ban highlights Kazakhstan’s commitment to protecting its local grain market and preventing illegal trade practices. However, the ambiguity surrounding exceptions for millers and farmers raises concerns about the potential impact on their operations. Clear guidelines and communication from the government will be crucial to ensure that all stakeholders can navigate these changes effectively.
Source : APK-Inform