Uzbekistan assures that its potato supplies are sufficient, despite the restrictions imposed by Kazakhstan.

According to the press service of the Cabinet, the increase in demand from neighboring countries, particularly Uzbekistan, along with rising export prices, were the main factors leading to the introduction of the ban. The volume of potato exports in 2024 increased by 1.5 times — from 411 thousand tons to 605 thousand. Meanwhile, the price of potatoes among export-oriented producers rose from 170 to 270 tenge per kilogram, which also contributed to the imposition of restrictions.

However, it is important to note that the ban does not apply to the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Exports to these regions will continue but will be closely monitored. In light of the situation, the issuance of phytosanitary certificates for potato exports was suspended on January 16, 2025.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan, the country currently has sufficient potato reserves that fully meet the domestic market's needs until the new harvest in 2025. At the same time, last year, potato prices in Kazakhstan rose on average by 37.7%. This increase is linked to unfavorable weather conditions that delayed the start of the sowing campaign, as well as to spring floods.

As reported by the Statistics Agency, in 2024, 627 thousand tons of potatoes were imported into the country, of which 74.2% (465.2 thousand tons) came from Kazakhstan. Over the year, the price of potatoes in Uzbekistan increased by 40%.

The Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan has denied rumors regarding a potential potato shortage and a sharp rise in prices. In an official statement, the agency noted that the annual demand for potatoes in Uzbekistan is 4 million tons, while in 2024, the country produced 3.7 million tons. Out of this volume, 600 thousand tons are reserved as seed potatoes, and losses amount to about 100 thousand tons.

For the winter and spring season of 2024-2025, Uzbekistan has accumulated 245.5 thousand tons of potatoes. The product is entering the domestic market, and its distribution across regions is monitored through the online platform fsp.agro.uz. As of January 20 of the current year, 6.3 thousand tons of potatoes have been sold, leaving a remaining stock of 239.2 thousand tons.

Thus, despite the restrictions in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan assures that the potato reserves in the country are sufficient to meet domestic demand.