Kazakhstan to enforce six-month ban on fresh egg imports
The move seeks to reduce financial losses among domestic poultry farms during the low-demand period.
KAZAKHSTAN – Kazakhstan has introduced a temporary six-month suspension on the importation of fresh chicken eggs in an effort to protect its domestic poultry sector during a period of reduced demand.
The restriction, which took effect on April 9, was enacted through Order No. 101 signed by Agriculture Minister Aidarbek Saparov.
It specifically concerns products listed under customs classification code TN VED 040721 and will remain in place until early October.
The ban applies to all foreign suppliers, including both non-member countries and member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and covers all means of transport.
However, the measure does not impact the transit of eggs through Kazakhstan nor the internal movement of such goods between EAEU states via Kazakh territory.
The Ministry of Agriculture explained that egg consumption typically drops in the spring and summer due to increased availability of homegrown foods and fresh produce.
As a result, egg prices often fall below production costs during these months, placing a financial burden on poultry businesses.
Moreover, the warmer weather reduces shelf life and limits producers’ ability to scale down operations efficiently.
This combination of factors often leads to excess inventory in storage, prompting the government to act.
According to officials, the Interdepartmental Commission on Foreign Trade Policy approved the restriction to prevent further strain on local enterprises.
Talks on curbing egg imports began in February 2025, as part of broader efforts to control informal trade and strengthen local supply chains.
Government data shows that egg prices climbed nearly 12% year-on-year as of October 2024, driven by seasonal market shifts.
Though prices usually dip during the summer, they tend to rise again in the autumn to make up for earlier losses.
Despite concerns that the ban might affect supply, Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliev has said domestic producers can meet all national demand through the warmer months.
He assured the public that there would be no shortages of eggs or related poultry products during the restriction period.
The government views the ban as a short-term measure to prevent further market disruptions and promote greater stability within the agro-industrial sector.
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