Source: Ukragroconsult (Ukraine)
Kazakhstan is planning to start actively supplying grain to European countries. Thanks to the restrictions imposed by the EU on Russia and Belarus, Kazakhstan has the opportunity to replace these countries on the grain markets.
Kazakhstan’s intention to enter the European market has also been mentioned. The development of the market of African countries was also discussed.
“The issue of entering the European market was raised for geopolitical reasons. Sanction restrictions were imposed on Russia. In August, it was decided that all grain exports from Russia to European countries would be subject to a duty of 95 euros per tonne. 95 euros is a good value, which makes our grain attractive on these markets compared to Russian grain,” explained Kanat Kobesov, Chairman of the Board of the National Association of Exporters KazGrain, to the Atameken Chamber of Entrepreneurs.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan is considering increasing its grain supplies to the seaports of the Baltic Sea.
“We are considering (and have raised this issue with the National Council of Entrepreneurs and the government) what is necessary to increase grain exports to the Baltic ports. About 1 million tons are already exported there. But everyone wants to increase the volumes. We are now in the process of resolving this issue, we are thinking about it. This is a good opportunity for us. It turns out that what is bad for our neighbor is good for us. And the same is true for us. What has become bad for us has become good for our neighbor,” K. Kobesov noted.
According to him, Kazakhstan has been overpopulated with Russian wheat over the last nine years. It was imported so actively because it was really cheap. It is still cheap now.
“There were years, 2009-2010, when Kazakh wheat was delivered to Moscow. We really bought our ‘three’, not hard varieties. We also used to trade to North Africa. It was all there. And the cost of production allowed it, and the cost of logistics. We have lost this market, but I am optimistic. The government is now developing certain activities aimed at restoring our former trade markets. Recently, the president of an African country came to us and offered us his cooperation. He said: bring us grain, we are ready to buy 100 thousand tons. I believe that there is a need, the logistics will be solved, but the price will remain,” said Kobesov.