Published
05/24/2025, 09:00Temporary tariff concessions in the EAEU open up export opportunities for Kyrgyzstan. The Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission has decided to temporarily exempt potatoes imported into Kazakhstan and Russia from import duties.
Both countries have been allocated quotas of 150,000 tons each. For Kazakhstan, the exemption is valid until June 30, 2025, and for Russia until July 31.
This applies to goods with the code 0701 90 TN VED EAEU, supplied for retail sale or use in the food industry. As emphasized by the EEC, the decision is aimed at curbing price increases for socially important products.
“The customs and tariff regulation measure is aimed at stabilizing potato prices in Kazakhstan and Russia,” said EEC Trade Minister Andrei Slepnev.
Potatoes are among Kyrgyzstan's export commodities.
According to data for January–March 2025, the republic exported 17,400 tons of potatoes worth 191.6 million KGS ($2.19 million).
This is slightly lower than in the same period in 2024, when 18,500 tons were exported for 208.8 million KGS.
Almost all of the potatoes were exported to Uzbekistan, 15,500 tons for 128.7 million KGS. Kazakhstan ranks second with 1.6 thousand tons (53.9 million KGS). Russia, although it is on the list of importers of Kyrgyz potatoes, purchased only 64.5 tons (4.6 million KGS).
The opening of a duty-free corridor to neighboring countries could be an economic advantage for Kyrgyzstan, if not for one detail: the republic remains a net importer of potatoes. In the first three months of 2025, 9,010 tons of potatoes were imported into the country for 326.3 million KGS. China was the main supplier, with 6,500 tons. Pakistan took second place with 1,900 tons.
