Kazakhstan to Import 150,000 Tons of Potatoes Duty-Free by End of June

The Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) has approved a preferential customs regime for the import of potatoes into member states of the Eurasian Economic Union. According to the EEC press service, Kazakhstan will be allowed to import up to 150,000 tons of potatoes at a zero customs duty rate until June 30, 2025. All potatoes imported under the quota must be intended solely for retail sale on the domestic market.
Simultaneously, Russia has been granted an identical quota of up to 150,000 tons, with the preferential period extended until July 31, 2025. In Russia's case, the imported potatoes may be used both in food production and for retail trade.

EEC Minister of Trade Andrey Slepnev noted that the adopted tariff measure is aimed at stabilizing potato prices in both Kazakhstan and Russia. The decision will come into force 10 calendar days after its official publication.

According to Kazakhstan’s Bureau of National Statistics, the average price of potatoes in the country rose by 40.9% from the beginning of the year to May 20, and by 72.3% over the past year. As of May 20, the national average price had reached 269 tenge per kilogram, while the price of new-season potatoes exceeded 1,200 tenge per kilogram.

In response to rapid export growth and rising prices, Kazakhstan introduced a six-month ban on potato exports at the end of January, with the exception of deliveries to EAEU countries. Nevertheless, according to Rosselkhoznadzor, from the beginning of the year to May 7, Kazakhstan exported 7,000 tons of potatoes to Russia — 15 times more than during the same period last year (448 tons).

To address the domestic shortage, the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan plans to expand the potato planting area in organized farms. It is expected that a higher harvest will help balance supply and curb further price increases in the next season.