Kazakhstan extends ban on ferrous scrap exports

On August 19, 2024, the Ministry of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan adopted Decree No. 304 on Several Issues Concerning the Management of Export of Ferrous Metal Scrap. The decree temporarily prohibits the export of scrap ferrous metals, as well as scrap pipes, rails, railway infrastructure components and locomotives from Kazakhstan by rail transport.

The Ministry of Industry and Construction of Kazakhstan stated that the ban was implemented to safeguard the production of domestic metallurgical enterprises and their supply of raw materials, because the maximum processing and production of recycled metals in the country is an important strategic direction for the production of high value-added products, and is also conducive to environmental protection and minimum energy consumption. The ministry has been committed to expanding the production of the steel industry in the past few years, focusing on domestic and overseas markets, which is a key factor in the development of the country’s industrial policy.

The decree officially came into effect on August 22, 2024.