To stabilize domestic potato prices, Kazakhstan's Interdepartmental Commission on Trade Affairs decided on January 18, 2025, to impose a six-month ban on potato exports.
The decision follows a market analysis by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Trade. Kazakhstan's 2024 potato harvest totaled 2.9 million tons, including 300,000 tons of early harvests.
Analysis revealed that in 2024, demand for potatoes from neighboring countries, especially Uzbekistan, increased significantly. Over the year, Kazakhstan exported 605,000 tons of potatoes, which is 1.5 times more than in 2023, when exports amounted to 411,000 tons.
High export prices made international sales particularly profitable for Kazakh farmers. For instance, recent shipments to Uzbekistan were sold at 250,000 tenge per ton (€457). This led to a price surge in the domestic market as well, with potato prices rising from 170,000 tenge (€311) to 270,000 tenge (€494) per ton within a week.
While exports to EAEU countries remain under scrutiny, issuance of phytosanitary certificates for these shipments has also been suspended since January 16.
Despite export restrictions, the Ministry of Agriculture assures there are sufficient reserves to meet domestic needs until the 2025 early harvest. Current stocks exceed 850,000 tons, including 600,000 tons held by potato growers' associations, 68,000 tons in regional stabilization funds, and 200,000 tons stored by households and small farms. Additional reserves are also available in retail networks.
Source: eldala.kz