Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormDried (Packaged tea)
Industry PositionPackaged Consumer Food Product
Market
Kazakhstan is a significant tea-importing market: in 2023, tea (HS 0902) imports were about USD 105.3 million (CIF) and 33.9 million kg. Black (fermented) tea in bulk packs >3 kg (HS 090240) was the dominant import stream in 2023 (about USD 79.1 million), with Kenya and India the largest sources by value. Domestic value addition includes tea packing/blending capacity in Kazakhstan (e.g., Orda Trade Astana’s tea-packing factory and RG Brands’ Piala tea packing). Kazakhstan also shows regional re-export activity in packaged black tea (HS 090230), consistent with a pack-and-distribute role into CIS markets.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market with domestic tea-packing and CIS re-export activity
Domestic RoleDomestic market supplied primarily via imports, with local tea packing/blending supporting consumer distribution
Market GrowthGrowing (2022–2023)bulk black tea (HS 090240) import value increased year-over-year
SeasonalityYear-round availability driven by imports and shelf-stable inventory dynamics.
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighNon-compliance with EAEU food safety and labeling technical regulations (notably TR CU 021/2011 and TR CU 022/2011) can block market circulation in Kazakhstan (e.g., missing mandatory label elements, missing/incorrect ingredient declaration for bergamot flavoring, or missing required conformity documentation).Run a pre-shipment label and dossier check against TR CU 022/2011 mandatory fields (including composition/ingredients and EAC mark) and ensure applicable conformity documentation is in place under TR scope before dispatch.
Supply Concentration MediumKazakhstan’s bulk black tea imports (HS 090240) rely heavily on Kenya and India; origin-level shocks (weather, policy, logistics) can affect availability and prices for the Kazakhstan market and local packing operations.Diversify approved origins/suppliers and keep buffer inventory for key SKUs used in domestic packing.
Food Safety MediumIf imported tea fails EAEU food safety requirements (TR CU 021/2011), consignments may be delayed, held, or rejected.Use accredited lab testing aligned to importer/EAEU requirements and maintain supplier COAs with lot traceability.
Logistics MediumAs a landlocked market dependent on imported tea, Kazakhstan is exposed to multimodal transit disruptions and freight-rate volatility, which can pressure landed cost and service levels for both retail and local packing supply.Contract flexible routing options (rail/road corridors) and hedge inventory for high-turn products during peak disruption periods.
Sustainability- Sourcing sustainability scrutiny for imported tea (notably from major origins such as Kenya and India), including climate impacts and farm-level environmental practices
- Third-party sustainability certification may be requested by buyers (e.g., Rainforest Alliance programs in major tea origins)
Labor & Social- Worker-rights and living-wage due diligence expectations in tea supply chains (relevant given reliance on imported origin production), including risks of child labor/forced labor in agricultural supply chains and the need for audit-based controls
FAQ
How large are Kazakhstan’s tea imports?WITS (UN Comtrade) reports that Kazakhstan imported about USD 105.3 million (CIF) of tea (HS 0902) in 2023, totaling about 33.9 million kg.
Which countries are the main suppliers of bulk black tea into Kazakhstan?For black tea in packs over 3 kg (HS 090240), WITS shows Kenya and India as the largest suppliers to Kazakhstan by value in 2023, with Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and China also supplying smaller shares.
What labeling and conformity requirements are most likely to block a packaged Earl Grey tea shipment in Kazakhstan?EAEU technical regulations are the key gate: TR CU 022/2011 requires mandatory packaged-food label information (including ingredient/composition disclosure, which matters for bergamot flavoring) and TR CU 021/2011 sets food safety requirements; missing or incorrect labeling and missing applicable EAEU conformity documentation can prevent market circulation.