Kazakh-Russian Grain Dispute Sparks Trade Tensions

Kazakhstan has requested that Moscow provide evidence of alleged breaches in plant health rules, which have led to a near-ban on Kazakh grain imports and transit through Russia. Both nations are major grain exporters, but Kazakhstan depends on Russian routes for European and Mediterranean sales.

Kazakhstan has challenged Russia to substantiate accusations of plant health rule violations, used as rationale for prohibiting imports and transit of Kazakh grain, according to Kazakh officials on Thursday.

Despite being significant grain exporters, Kazakhstan relies on Russian transit to market its grain in Europe and the Mediterranean, agreements which are now jeopardized. Additionally, both countries engage in oil transshipment to international markets.

The Russian agricultural watchdog announced this week that from September 23, its system would automatically block phytosanitary certificate issuance, crucial for border crossing, for grain and several other products from Kazakhstan. Kazakh deputy agriculture minister Yermek Kenzhekhanuly confirmed that they await further clarification from Moscow about the alleged violations.

(With inputs from agencies.)