The European Union has officially lifted restrictions on transactions involving Russian ports when it comes to the transit of coal originating from Kazakhstan. This was announced by the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Kazakhstan, according to dprom.kz.
Earlier this year, as part of its 16th package of sanctions, the European Commission had restricted trade via a number of Russian ports. The measure disrupted coal exports from Kazakhstan to EU countries, as the main route traditionally passes through the Russian port of Ust-Luga. The resulting logistical challenges raised concerns on the Kazakh side.
In response, Kazakh authorities submitted a formal request to the European Commission to review the restrictions. Their appeal resulted in a partial easing of sanctions under the EU’s 18th sanctions package. The revised rules now permit transactions through Russian ports strictly for the transit, loading, or shipment of Kazakh-origin coal. Sanctions remain in place for goods linked to sanctioned countries and their residents.
According to the Kazakh Ministry of Trade, the exemption applies exclusively to coal of Kazakh origin, as long as it is not associated with residents of sanctioned jurisdictions.
The European Union is a key market for Kazakh coal. In 2022, Kazakhstan exported 4.4 million tonnes of coal to the EU worth $419.2 million—accounting for 45% of its total coal exports. In 2023, exports rose to 6.1 million tonnes valued at $382 million, or 54.3% of the total. In 2024, Kazakhstan shipped 5.2 million tonnes of coal to the EU worth $312.5 million, making up 51.8% of overall exports.
From January to May 2025, coal exports to the EU totaled 1.6 million tonnes, valued at $82.9 million—representing 38.5% of Kazakhstan’s total coal exports during that period.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
July 31, 2025