Kazakhstan extends ban on scrap exports for six months

The Ministry of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan proposes to extend the ban on scrap exports for the next six months.

The ban is to prohibit the export of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap and waste, used pipes, railway track and rolling stock. The draft order was published on January 24, and will come into force ten calendar days after its first official publication.

According to the Ministry, the rule was adopted to provide and load domestic metallurgical enterprises with raw materials, as maximum processing of secondary metals within the country is a strategically important area for the production of higher value-added products. In addition, it contributes to environmental goals and minimizes energy consumption.

The restriction was first applied 7 years ago. At the same time, a certain amount of raw materials is still shipped to Russia, as the countries are members of the Eurasian Customs Union (EAEU), so the export ban is not in effect.

Kazakhstan imposed a ban on the export of steel billets and semi-finished products on December 1, 2024. The restriction will be in effect for six months and applies to the transportation of billets (HS 7206) and semi-finished products (HS 7207) by all modes of transport. The aim of the ban is to stimulate the production of higher value-added steel products domestically. The authorities are seeking to strengthen the steel industry, in particular by creating conditions for the production of finished products.

As GMK Center reported earlier, the steel industry in Kazakhstan increased steel production by 9.5% in 2024 compared to 2023, to 4.17 million tons. Last year, Qarmet Iron and Steel Works exceeded its production target by 15%, steel – by 15%, coke – by 18%, sinter – by 12%, and in the section rolling shop – by 17%.