Photo: akorda.kz
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has sent a response letter to U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the imposition of tariffs on imports of Kazakh goods. The press office of Akorda reported this on July 10.
“The head of state emphasized that Kazakhstan, as a long-standing trade and investment partner of the United States of America, is committed to developing fair, predictable, and mutually beneficial trade relations,” the statement read.
Tokayev confirmed his readiness to continue a “constructive dialogue” on the issue and expressed confidence that a compromise could be reached.
On July 7, Donald Trump notified Tokayev of the introduction, starting August 1, of 25 percent customs duties on imports from Kazakhstan. “Please understand that these tariffs are necessary to address longstanding imbalances caused by Kazakhstan’s tariff and non-tariff policies. The trade imbalance poses a serious threat to our economy and, in essence, to our national security,” the U.S. president wrote.
Meanwhile, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Trade confirmed the day before (as had been reported several times earlier) that the 25 percent tariff introduced by the United States would not affect 95 percent of Kazakh exports. The ministry explained that key raw materials and strategic goods exported by Kazakhstan to the U.S.—including oil, uranium, silver, ferroalloys, tantalum, and titanium—are exempt from the new tariffs, and deliveries will continue under existing conditions.
Kazakhstan has submitted proposals to the White House aimed at improving mutual trade conditions. These are currently under review, and the date of negotiations will be announced, the ministry added.
Trade turnover between Kazakhstan and the United States amounted to $4.2 billion in 2024. Kazakhstan’s exports to the U.S. are mainly composed of crude oil, uranium, silver, ferroalloys, and other materials. These categories are included in the list of exemptions provided under the U.S. presidential order “On Regulating Imports Through Reciprocal Tariffs to Address Trade Practices Leading to a Significant and Persistent U.S. Trade Deficit in Goods.”
