Kazakhstan to ban sunseed imports from Russia

Kazakhstan plans to suspend sunflower seed imports from Russia starting October 23, 2026, following numerous detections of a quarantine disease in imported shipments. Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Agriculture confirmed that it had requested Russia’s agricultural watchdog, Rosselkhoznadzor, to temporarily stop issuing phytosanitary certificates for sunflower seeds intended for planting and food use destined for the Kazakh market.

According to the ministry, phytosanitary inspections recorded 23 cases of sunflower Phomopsis (Diaporthe helianthi) in imported sunflower seed shipments during 2025 and the elapsed period of 2026. This quarantine disease poses a threat to crops, potentially causing plant damage and reducing yields. The ministry emphasized that the restrictions are preventive and aimed at protecting agricultural production from the spread of the disease. The relevant committee, together with regional inspectorates, is currently conducting an additional assessment of the phytosanitary situation.

Meanwhile, the potential import suspension comes amid growing tensions in Kazakhstan’s domestic sunflower seed market. According to Talgat Aldazharov, CEO of Aitas Agro, prices for the new sunflower seed crop have already fallen by approximately 25–30% compared with last year. He attributed the decline partly to active purchases of cheaper Russian sunflower seeds by Kazakh processing companies, increasing competition for domestic producers.

Representatives of the agricultural sector have previously called on the government to intervene to stabilize domestic prices. Proposed measures included removing the export duty on Kazakh sunflower seeds or introducing restrictions on Russian imports. Viktor Aslanov, head of Kazakhstan’s Union of Field Crop Farmers, also criticized purchases of imported raw materials by companies receiving government support. However, the National Association of Oilseed Processors disputed claims of large-scale imports, explaining that foreign purchases were necessary to improve processing capacity utilization.

The situation is unfolding against the backdrop of record sunflower seed harvests in Kazakhstan and Russia in the 2026/27 season. Potential import restrictions could reduce competition from Russian supplies and support procurement prices for Kazakh farmers. At the same time, processing companies may need to reconsider their sourcing strategies. Further developments will depend on the implementation of phytosanitary restrictions and the results of additional inspections.

Tags: Russia, Kazakhstan, restrictions