China lifts restrictions on frozen meat and poultry imports from Kazakhstan

ALMATY. Feb 9 (Interfax) - China has lifted restrictions on the import of poultry products from Kazakhstan, as well as previous foot-and-mouth disease restrictions on the import of beef and pork, Kazakhstan's Agriculture Ministry said.

The measures had been in place since 2005 and 2022, respectively.

"Effective from February 7, 2024, China lifted restrictions on importing poultry from Kazakhstan, allowing the export of frozen beef, pork, and various poultry products from southeastern Kazakhstan," according to the ministry.

Kazakhstan can start expanding its export options and issuing permits to businesses across the country to export to China.

Kazakhstan stopped exporting beef and lamb to China because of foot-and-mouth disease in late 2021. Negotiations between the two countries in 2023 aimed to restart exports, with China assessing risks of avian influenza and foot-and-mouth disease. Kazakhstan planned to resume meat exports to China by late 2023. In December 2023, Chinese experts audited Kazakh veterinary facilities and farms as part of the process.