China lifts bans: green light for Kazakhstani meat

Since February 7, 2024, Kazakhstan and China have entered a new stage of economic relations thanks to the lifting of restrictions on imports of poultry products and products subject to earlier restrictions on foot-and-mouth disease. This step will allow the resumption of exports to China of frozen beef and pork from the southeastern regions of Kazakhstan, as well as expand the range of poultry products supplied.

The ban on poultry imports that had been in place since 2005 and FMD restrictions imposed in 2022 have been lifted, opening the way for Kazakh producers to one of the world's largest markets. Kazakhstan now faces the challenge of harmonizing veterinary requirements to expand the list of exports and obtaining export permits for businesses from across the country.

The decision to lift restrictions was made against the backdrop of Kazakh President Kasym-Jomart Tokayev's official visit to China in 2023, where he expressed the country's readiness to supply livestock products. During subsequent negotiations, including a meeting between Kazakhstan's Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov and Chinese customs officials, terms for resuming trade were discussed.

In 2023, the Chinese side conducted an assessment of the risks associated with avian influenza and foot-and-mouth disease, resulting in a decision to lift restrictions following an audit of Kazakhstan's veterinary service. This event will be an impetus for expanding the register of Kazakh enterprises authorized to export to China, which in turn will open new horizons for the country's agribusiness.