Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Kazakhstan introduced restrictions on potato exports starting from 18 January 2025, which will last for six months. This decision was made by the government to stabilize domestic prices and prevent market speculation.

According to the press service of the Kazakh government, increased demand from neighboring countries, particularly Uzbekistan, and rising export prices were the main factors leading to the restrictions. In 2024, potato exports grew by 1.5 times, from 411,000 tons to 605,000 tons. Meanwhile, prices for potatoes among export-oriented producers rose from 170 to 270 tenge per kilogram, which also contributed to the imposition of the ban.

However, the restrictions do not apply to countries within the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Exports to these countries will continue but will be closely monitored. As part of the situation, the issuance of phytosanitary certificates for potato exports was suspended on January 16, 2025.

According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture, the country currently has sufficient potato reserves to meet domestic demand until the new harvest in 2025. At the same time, potato prices in Kazakhstan increased by an average of 37.7% over the past year, due to adverse weather conditions that delayed the start of the planting campaign, as well as spring floods.

In 2024, Uzbekistan imported 627,000 tons of potatoes, with 74.2% (465,200 tons) coming from Kazakhstan. Over the year, potato prices in Uzbekistan rose by 40%.

Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Agriculture has dismissed rumors of a possible potato shortage and sharp price increases. In an official statement, the ministry said that the annual demand for potatoes in Uzbekistan is 4 million tons, while 3.7 million tons were produced in 2024. Of this volume, 600,000 tons were reserved as seed potatoes, and losses amounted to approximately 100,000 tons.

For the winter and spring season of 2024-2025, Uzbekistan has accumulated 245,500 tons of potatoes. The product is entering the domestic market, and its distribution by regions is monitored via the online platform fsp.agro.uz.

As of 20 January 2025, 6,300 tons of potatoes had been sold, leaving a remaining stock of 239,200 tons.

Thus, despite Kazakhstan’s export restrictions, Uzbekistan assures that its potato reserves are sufficient to meet domestic demand.