Kazakhstan extends ban on scrap exports for six months

Kazakhstan has extended the ban on exports of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap and waste for another six months starting November 2. This is stated in the relevant order of the Minister of Industry and Construction of the country dated October 21.

The ban applies, in particular, to the export of ferrous scrap, used pipes, rails and railway parts by all means of transport.

Exceptions are parts of railway rolling stock imported or exported for repair; companies must submit the necessary documentation five days before crossing the border and provide certificates of completion within the prescribed timeframe.

The export restrictions will apply to copper, aluminum, lead scrap and other non-ferrous secondary raw materials.

The country first imposed a ban on scrap exports 7 years ago, thus supporting the domestic steel industry, and has consistently continued to do so. At the same time, the lion’s share of raw materials is still shipped to Russia, as the countries are members of the Eurasian Customs Union (EAEU), and therefore the export ban is not in force.

According to the Ministry of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan, the total collection of ferrous scrap in 2023 amounted to about 1.9 million tons, while the domestic market demand was 3.9 million tons. Thus, the capacities of enterprises consuming this raw material were utilized by an average of 35% last year.

As GMK Center reported earlier, in 9M2024, steel production in Kazakhstan amounted to 3.15 million tons, up 10% year-on-year.