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New regulations and enhanced border checks in Kazakhstan have significantly impacted the export price of beef, driving it up to an average of $7.1 per kilogram, according to the Meat Union. This move aims to increase transparency in trade transactions and support domestic producers.

Export Dynamics and New Pricing

Previously, it was common for beef export values to be understated, with off-the-books settlements occurring. However, recent regulatory changes have brought these transactions into the open, leading to a more accurate reflection of the beef's market value. The current average export price stands at approximately $7.1 per kilogram, equivalent to about 3,500 tenge.

Trade Figures and Key Markets

Data from the Bureau of National Statistics reveals that over the first 11 months of last year, Kazakhstan exported more than 29.4 thousand tons of fresh or chilled beef. The primary destinations for these exports were Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, the UAE, Qatar, and the USA. Uzbekistan remained the largest buyer, importing 28.2 thousand tons at an average price of around $4 per kilogram.

The export of frozen beef amounted to 1.9 thousand tons, with Tajikistan being the main recipient, accounting for over 1.6 thousand tons. Smaller shipments were also sent to Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and China, with an average price of $1.99 per kilogram.

Import Activity and Price Influences

In parallel, Kazakhstan imported over 5.2 thousand tons of fresh or chilled beef from Belarus and 42.3 tons from Russia, with average prices exceeding $4.5 per kilogram. Frozen beef imports totaled more than 9.3 thousand tons, priced above $4.7 per kilogram. Key suppliers for frozen beef included Belarus (6.1 thousand tons), Ukraine (1.38 thousand tons), and Russia (1.28 thousand tons). Beef was also imported from Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Kyrgyzstan.

Industry Transformation and Future Outlook

Experts suggest that the previous statistical discrepancies arose because contract values were often deliberately lowered to optimize taxes and duties. Maksut Baktybayev, General Director of the non-profit organization "Meat Union of Kazakhstan," explained that if parties agreed on a sale price of 3,000 tenge but the importer faced an additional 20% tax, the total cost would be prohibitive. To mitigate this tax burden, contracts might state a lower price, with the remainder settled separately.

The current efforts focus on modernizing the industry, enhancing the transparency of deals, and establishing definitive contract values. This has contributed to the rise in the average export price to $7.1 per kilogram.

It is important to note that the ban on exporting beef from Kazakhstan has been extended until June 30, 2026. The Ministry of Agriculture stated that this measure is intended to support full-cycle producers and increase the transparency of foreign trade operations. Furthermore, a comprehensive plan for the development of animal husbandry for 2026–2030 has been developed, aiming to increase livestock numbers, boost productivity, and expand the sector's export potential through new state support mechanisms.

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