Kazakhstan is preparing a six-month ban on billet exports

The move encourages local steelmakers to expand production of higher value-added products

Kazakh authorities are preparing a six-month ban on the export of steel billets.

The Ministry of Industry and Construction has drafted a decree on some issues related to the regulation of steel billets exports, which is available for public discussion until June 11.

According to the document, the export of iron and unalloyed steel in ingots or other primary forms (except for iron of heading 7203) and semi-finished products made of iron or unalloyed steel is to be banned for six months. The restrictions will apply to all modes of transportation.

The move is expected to encourage local steelmakers to expand production of upstream and downstream finished products with high added value.

As a reminder, in January-April 2025, Kazakhstan’s metallurgical enterprises increased steel production by 9.1% compared to the same period in 2024, to 1.41 million tons. Production of flat products over the four months increased by 14.8% y/y – to 957.99 thousand tons.

In April, the country’s steel industry produced 369.63 thousand tons of steel, up 1.2% compared to March and 5% compared to April 2024. Finished steel output increased by 0.8% y/y and remained unchanged month-on-month at 246.54 kt.

As GMK Center previously reported, last year Kazakhstan increased steel production by 9.5% compared to 2023, to 4.17 million tons. Last year, flat products production increased by 18.2% compared to 2023, to 2.9 million tons. Qarmet Iron and Steel Works exceeded its production targets – by 15%, steel – by 15%, coke – by 18%, sinter – by 12%, and 17% in the long products shop.