Kazakhstan grain exports

Kazakhstan has halted grain exports to Russia following a request from Russian authorities to stop issuing phytosanitary certificates, citing violations that threaten plant health. The Russian state agricultural watchdog has implemented an automatic block on these certificates since September 23, preventing Kazakh grain and related products from legally crossing the border. Kazakhstan's Deputy Agriculture Minister, Yermek Kenzhekhanuly, has requested evidence of the alleged violations from Moscow but has yet to receive a response. This diplomatic rift follows Kazakhstan's earlier ban on Russian grain imports, which was aimed at protecting its agricultural market from cheap Russian wheat. Industry players are expressing concerns that the situation may escalate into a trade war, with potential repercussions for both nations. Kazakhstan relies on Russian transit routes to access European and Mediterranean markets, making the outcome of this dispute critical for its agricultural sector.