Kazakhstan’s government has recently taken a series of key measures to restrict its exports of natural resources and energy products, which involve exports of black metal and non-ferrous metal waste, coal and liquefied petroleum gas, propane and tinate, demonstrating the country’s strategic actions in the global resource market.

First, the Kazakh government announced a six-month extension of the ban on exports of black metal and non-ferrous metal wastes, effective from 7 November 2023. The ban covers the export of all kinds of wasted copper, aluminum, lead, and wasted lead batteries and wasted batteries. In addition, the ban also applies to black metal wastes, black heavy metal melt (fork) and wasted pipes, railways, railway pillow parts, alloy steel and corrosion-resistant steel wastes in motor vehicles with more than 8%. This decision reflects Kazakhstan’s cautious attitude in managing its natural resources, and may also be to protect domestic markets and support the local recycling industry.

Second, the Ministry of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan issued a ministerial decree temporarily prohibiting the export of coal through roads. This includes coal, coal bricks, coal balls and other hard-formed fuels, as well as coal and non-coal coal. The ban comes into effect from 21 November 2023, for a period of six months. This move may be aimed at ensuring the stability of domestic energy supply, especially in the context of global energy market turbulence.

Finally, the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan issued another order temporarily banning the export of liquefied petroleum gas, propane and dinden via roads and railways. The ban came into force on November 14 and is valid for the same period of six months, except for exports within the framework of a product separation agreement or a mineral resource development agreement.

As a resource-rich country, Kazakhstan has an important position in its resource export strategy in the global resource markets.These latest export bans may be a response to domestic and foreign market dynamics and initiatives to protect national interests.