20.12.2024, 18:36
📉 Kazakhstan and Iran: Why Has Wheat Export Dropped to Zero?
In 2024, Kazakhstan's wheat exports to Iran were zero due to temporary restrictions imposed to protect the Iranian market
Kazakhstan's wheat exports to Iran in 2024 amounted to zero. According to Janelle Kushukova, the Vice Minister of Trade and Integration, this is due to temporary restrictions imposed by Iran to protect its domestic market. Over the past two years, Iran has harvested a solid wheat crop, approximately 14–15 million tons, which allowed the country to forgo imports.
The Kazakh side was informed that the restrictions on wheat imports would be lifted after signing a new agreement. The document provides for duty-free supplies under a tariff quota, which for Kazakhstan will amount to 700,000 tons. This volume significantly exceeds the wheat exports to Iran over the past three years.
However, the official data on current wheat exports to Iran appears contradictory. According to Kazakhstan's Ministry of Agriculture, wheat exports to Iran in 2024 increased 30-fold, from 10,000 tons to 299,000 tons.
The signing of the new agreement with Iran opens up promising opportunities for Kazakhstan's exports. The tariff quota of 700,000 tons could become an important step in strengthening trade relations between the two countries.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
1️⃣ In 2024, Kazakhstan's wheat exports to Iran were zero due to temporary restrictions imposed to protect the Iranian market.
2️⃣ A new agreement will enable duty-free supplies under a quota of 700,000 tons — exceeding exports of the past three years.