Kazakhstan extends scrap ban for another 6 months

The ban applies to all types of ferrous scrap, but not alloyed or corrosion-resistant scrap shipped by all modes of transportation. The measure, which was first introduced six years ago, is aimed at supporting Kazakh steelmaking enterprises, although the majority of Kazakh scrap is exported to Russia.

However, according to the ministry, tighter restrictions will be imposed on the export of non-ferrous scrap and copper, aluminum, lead scrap and lead acid batteries will be banned.

Kazakhstan's scrap shipments to Russia totaled 276,000 tons in the first half of 2022, down 7% y-o-y, while the amount of scrap shipped by rail was around 250,000 tons, up 2% y-o-y.

At the same time, Kazakhstan's crude steel production decreased by 15.3% y-o-y to 923,324 tons in January-March this year. In March alone, production was down 11.7% y-o-y to 337,374 tons. However, it increased in February, when output amounted to 264,429 tons.