The government of Kazakhstan has approved a list of certain fertilizer products that can only be exported by the respective producers, according to an Interfax report last week, citing the press service of the country’s Cabinet of Ministers.
It is reported that the measure is being taken to combat the export of the fertilizer products in order to support domestic agricultural producers.
The restrictions are understood to apply to ammonium nitrate (AN) and ammonium phosphate fertilizers, both of which are high in demand by Kazak farmers, who currently are experiencing a shortage of these fertilizers, according to the report.
The government subsidizes 50% of the cost of these fertilizers in order to meet the needs of farmers during the spring field season. However, re-sellers take advantage of the low prices by exporting the products aboard, according to the report, citing customs authorities.
Based on the new adopted resolution, licenses will be required to export AN and ammonium phosphate fertilizers. Kazakhstan’s Industrial Development Committee of the Industry and Infrastructure Development Ministry has been appointed as the licensor.
Kazakhstan exported 145,904 mt of AN in 2021, with the biggest share of the volume going to Ukraine – some 130,917 mt, according to Trade Data Monitor. A further 9,399 mt was shipped to Kyrgyzstan. AN exports last year fell to 28,987 mt, Trade Data Monitor showed, although it was unclear whether this is due to incomplete data for the year.
Exports of MAP amounted to some 3,047 mt last year, with 932 mt going to Ukraine and 2,115 mt to Afghanistan, according to Trade Data Monitor.