The restrictions will affect shipments from both third countries and member states of the Eurasian Economic Union. However, the ban will not apply to the transit of apples through Kazakhstan, nor to the movement of goods between EAEU member states via the republic’s territory, according to inbusiness.kz.
The Ministry of Agriculture explained that the initiative was developed based on a decision by the Interdepartmental Commission on Foreign Trade Policy and Participation in International Economic Organizations dated June 5, 2026. “The draft order helps support domestic producers and ensure stable sales of their products,” the document’s explanatory note states. The ministry also believes that the adoption of the order will not entail any negative socioeconomic or legal consequences. The public comment period for the draft will last until July 8.
According to customs statistics, in 2025, Kazakhstan imported 136,600 metric tons of apples, pears, and quinces worth $64.7 million. The largest suppliers were Poland ($28.8 million), China ($15.2 million), Belgium ($8.2 million), and Uzbekistan ($5.3 million).
Why does this matter for Moldovan fruit growers?
Kazakhstan has consistently ranked among the top 10 markets for Moldovan apples. At various points during the last few marketing seasons, Kazakhstan has held the fourth through sixth positions in this ranking. Furthermore, given the global and “nearly exchange-based” nature of the apple trade, the absence of Poland, in particular, from the Kazakh apple market automatically means a stronger presence of Polish apples, for example, in the Romanian market or in one of the Middle Eastern countries.
