Kazakhstan Signals Readiness for US Trade Talks amid Tariff Dispute

The Kazakh Ministry of Trade and Integration has said that Kazakhstan signaled its readiness to engage in trade negotiations with the US following Washington’s decision to impose new import tariffs on Kazakh goods.

Under a recent directive by US President Donald Trump, a uniform 25 per cent import tariff will be applied to Kazakh exports beginning August 1. However, the Kazakh ministry emphasized that the overwhelming majority of its exports will not be impacted by the new duties, The Caspian Post reports, citing the Kazakh Ministry of Trade and Integration.

Strategically significant exports such as crude oil, uranium, silver, ferroalloys, tantalum, and titanium-which make up the core of bilateral trade-will continue to be exported without restrictions.

According to preliminary assessments, around 95 per cent of Kazakhstan’s exports to the US will remain unaffected by the new tariff policy.

“In order to preserve stable trade relations and access to the US market, the government of Kazakhstan has submitted detailed proposals and initiatives to the White House aimed at improving bilateral trade conditions,” the ministry said. “Kazakhstan looks forward to reaching mutually acceptable solutions and remains open to constructive dialogue for the sake of a sustainable partnership.”

The ministry added that US authorities are currently reviewing the proposals and are expected to announce the timeline for upcoming consultations. Meanwhile, Kazakhstan is preparing for the talks, emphasizing the need to safeguard national economic interests and further enhance trade ties with the US.

Trade data shows that Kazakhstan-US trade volume reached $4.2 billion in 2024, a 4 per cent increase compared to 2023. The top Kazakh exports to the US include:

Crude oil - $1.1 billion

Uranium - $322.9 million

Silver - $239.9 million

Ferroalloys - $188.2 million

Tantalum and related products - $17.6 million

Between January and May 2025, bilateral trade totaled $1.26 billion, with Kazakhstan’s exports accounting for $418.2 million of that figure.