Kazakhstan is preparing to implement a six-month ban on the export of steel billets, aiming to encourage domestic production of higher value-added products. The Ministry of Industry and Construction has drafted a decree to regulate billet exports, currently open for public discussion until June 11.

The proposed ban would apply to all modes of transportation and cover iron and unalloyed steel in ingots or other primary forms, excluding certain categories. This move is expected to stimulate local steelmakers to expand production of finished products with higher added value.

In the first four months of 2025, Kazakhstan’s metallurgical enterprises increased steel production by 9.1% year-on-year, reaching 1.41 million tons. Flat product output rose by 14.8% to 957.99 thousand tons during the same period.