New U.S. Tariffs Will Not Affect 95% of Kazakhstan’s Exports
New tariffs imposed by the United States will have no impact on approximately 95% of Kazakhstan’s export portfolio, Minister of Trade and Integration Arman Shakkaliyev stated during a government briefing on August 5.
Minister Shakkaliyev emphasized that Kazakhstan remains fully compliant with its international commitments and is not subject to any secondary sanctions under the new measures.
He noted that certain products, including ferro-silicon and phosphorus goods, may be subject to the newly introduced tariffs; however, these account for only 4 to 5 percent of Kazakhstan’s total exports, valued at nearly $100 million.
The minister further indicated that Kazakhstan has proactively submitted proposals to U.S. authorities, and negotiations are ongoing. He underscored that although the tariffs appear to contravene World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations, Kazakhstan is focused on enhancing and expanding bilateral trade relations rather than seeing them diminished.
“We are talking about the American consumer who is used to these products, importing them regularly for years. Now, they will have to pay 25% more,” he noted.
These tariffs were announced earlier by U.S. President Donald Trump and affect imports from nearly 70 countries, including Kazakhstan.
Photo credit: gov.kz
