Market
Kazakhstan is a net importer market for in-shell walnuts (HS 080231), with import supply dominated by China and supplemented by Southern Hemisphere origins such as Chile and Argentina. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) indicates Kazakhstan imported about 3.33 million kg of in-shell walnuts in 2024, while recorded exports are comparatively small. Domestic walnut cultivation exists and is concentrated in southern regions, particularly Turkestan and Almaty, but it does not appear to cover national demand. Market access and continuity of supply are strongly shaped by plant quarantine documentation/inspection and compliance with EAEU food safety and labeling technical regulations for products placed on the market.
Market RoleNet importer with emerging/limited domestic production
Domestic RoleDomestic consumption market supported by imports; limited domestic orchard production in southern regions
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighShipments of plant-origin goods can be detained or refused entry if they fail Kazakhstan’s plant quarantine (phytosanitary) controls—especially where the product is treated as quarantineable/high phytosanitary risk and lacks the required phytosanitary certificate, or where quarantine objects are detected.Confirm Kazakhstan quarantineable-product classification and any additional import conditions before contracting; ensure the original phytosanitary certificate and pre-shipment pest/cleanliness controls match importer and border expectations.
Food Safety MediumProducts placed on the EAEU market must comply with TR TS 021/2011 food safety requirements; non-compliance with hygienic safety requirements (e.g., contaminants where applicable) can lead to rejection or enforcement action.Align supplier testing and quality dossiers to TR TS 021/2011 requirements and maintain verifiable lab results for each lot.
Supply Concentration MediumKazakhstan’s in-shell walnut imports are origin-concentrated (China is the dominant supplier in recent trade data), increasing exposure to origin-side supply shocks, trade frictions, or price swings.Pre-qualify alternative origins (e.g., Chile, Argentina, U.S.) and maintain multi-origin purchasing options for continuity.
Logistics MediumAs a landlocked market, Kazakhstan depends on multimodal corridors; disruptions, border congestion, or freight volatility can delay arrivals and raise landed costs for overseas walnut origins.Build schedule buffers, diversify corridors/forwarders, and use landed-cost clauses that reflect corridor volatility.
Plant Health LowDomestic walnut cultivation in southern Kazakhstan faces disease pressure (reported pathogens and widespread symptoms in surveyed sites), which can reduce local yields and increase variability in domestic supply.For Kazakhstan-origin supply programs, diversify within southern regions and require documented orchard disease-management practices.
FAQ
Who are the main suppliers of in-shell walnuts to Kazakhstan?Recent UN Comtrade data accessed via WITS shows China as the largest supplier of HS 080231 (walnuts in shell) to Kazakhstan in 2024, with additional supply from Chile and Argentina and smaller volumes from the United States and regional neighbors.
What is the key phytosanitary compliance risk when importing in-shell walnuts into Kazakhstan?Kazakhstan’s plant quarantine framework requires quarantine phytosanitary control and can prohibit the import of quarantineable products of high phytosanitary risk without an exporting-country phytosanitary certificate; non-compliance can result in detention or refusal at entry.
Which EAEU technical regulations commonly govern food safety and labeling for walnuts sold in Kazakhstan?Food products placed on the EAEU market are governed by TR TS 021/2011 (food safety), and packaged products sold with labeling are governed by TR TS 022/2011 (food labeling requirements).