Kazakhstan bans grain imports from Russia

Kazakhstan has introduced a temporary ban on the import of a number of grain crops from Russia, as well as their processed products and feed materials for animals. The announcement was made by Yevgeny Karabanov, head of the analytical committee of the Kazakhstan Grain Union, citing a decision by the Ministry of Agriculture’s State Inspection Committee for the Agro-Industrial Complex.

According to him, Kazakhstan Temir Zholy is also returning railway wagons loaded with Russian grain. The restrictions are explained by the need to ensure veterinary safety amid a worsening epizootic situation in Russia, referring to the spread of infectious animal diseases.

“The State Inspection Committee for the Agro-Industrial Complex under the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan introduced a ban on March 21, 2026, on the import of certain grain crops from the Russian Federation, as well as their processed products, animal feed components, and finished feed,” Karabanov said.

The restrictions apply to wheat (all types), rye, barley, oats, corn, soybeans (except seeds), bran, starch production waste, beet pulp, wheat distillers’ grains, brewer’s grains, oilcake and meal, other plant-based materials used in animal feed production and their mixtures, as well as finished animal feed.

Earlier, Kazakhstan had also imposed restrictions on the import and transit of livestock and meat products from Russia following reports of mass livestock culling in the country.