Due to increased demand from neighboring countries, particularly Uzbekistan, and high export prices this year, potato exports have risen 1.5 times – from 411 thousand tons to 605 thousand tons. It is noted that the surge in demand has impacted the domestic market. Over the past week, there has been a sharp increase in prices among export-oriented producers (from 170 to 270 tenge). By order of Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, the ministries of agriculture, trade, and integration are conducting constant monitoring of the situation, as stated in a government press release.
To stabilize potato prices in the domestic market, a decision was made to restrict potato exports to third countries for a period of 6 months during the meeting of the Interdepartmental Commission on Trade Issues held on January 18, 2025.
This measure does not apply to EAEU countries; however, exports in this direction will be under observation. Additionally, considering the current situation, the issuance of phytosanitary certificates for export was suspended on January 16, 2025.
The measures taken aim to ensure price stability for potatoes, prevent unjustified price increases, and prohibit speculative actions by market participants.
It was also noted that intensified monitoring of the situation is underway, and in case of violations of trade legislation, "immediate measures will be taken against market participants."
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, current stocks are sufficient to fully meet domestic demand until the early harvest of 2025. As of January 19, stocks amount to over 850 thousand tons, not including stocks in retail chains (600 thousand tons held by the potato growers' association, 68 thousand tons in stabilization funds, and over 200 thousand tons in storage facilities of individual households and small farms).
For reference: The total potato harvest in 2024 was 2.9 million tons (including early harvest – 300 thousand tons). Imports for 2024 amounted to 56 thousand tons. The volume of potatoes available for market distribution from August 2024 is 2.6 million tons, while the total population demand is 1.5 million tons (including urban demand of 954 thousand tons) until the early harvest (January-April). From August to December 2024, consumption was 844 thousand tons, and exports totaled 620 thousand tons (from January to December 2024). The projected consumption volume for 2025 (January-April) is 675 thousand tons.