Kazakhstan bans egg imports for six months

ASTANA. April 22 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan has imposed a six-month ban on the import of fresh chicken eggs into the country, according to an order published on the state regulatory database.

"Import of fresh chicken eggs (EAEU HS code 040721) into Kazakhstan by all modes of transport from third countries and from Eurasian Economic Union countries is banned for six months," says an order dated April 17 signed by Agriculture Minister Aidarbek Saparov.

Transit of fresh chicken eggs through Kazakhstan is exempt from the ban.

The government's press service first announced plans for a six-month import restriction, including from EAEU member states, in early March.

Kazakhstan currently has 70 poultry farms, of which 34 are egg production facilities, 29 are meat production, and seven are breeding operations.

In 2025, production of edible chicken eggs in Kazakhstan rose 2.4% to 4.569 billion. Domestic output meets 98% of the domestic market's needs.

Kazakhstan periodically imposes temporary bans on egg imports to support local producers. A similar six-month ban was introduced in April 2025.

The Agriculture Ministry has explained that demand for eggs in Kazakhstan declines during spring and summer, while the market remains fully supplied by eggs from poultry farms and household production. This seasonal dip pushes prices lower, squeezing producer profitability.

The ministry also noted that egg shelf life shortens during this period, while production volumes cannot be easily scaled back due to technological constraints, leading to inventory buildup at warehouses.

Similar one-month restrictions have been imposed during autumn and winter months.