BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 18. Kazakhstan's proposal to increase the quota for duty-free imports of white sugar and raw sugar by another 100,000 tons was approved at a regular meeting of the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) with the participation of Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister, Trade and Integration Minister Bakhyt Sultanov, Trend reports citing the press service of Kazakh Trade and Integration Ministry.
"Restrictions on exports from the main importing countries Russia and Belarus are forcing Kazakhstan to look for new suppliers. We have applied to the EEC to increase the quota for sugar at a zero rate of import customs duty," Sultanov said.
Sugar is a socially significant food commodity and also affects the pricing of a number of other products. The task is not only to prevent the possibility of a shortage but also to ensure the stabilization and reduction in the cost of sugar for Kazakh consumers, including certain sectors of the food industry: manufacturers of confectionery and soft drinks.
Kazakhstan will be able to import a total of up to 350,000 tons of white sugar and raw cane sugar with zero import customs duty until the end of August 2022 by the decision of the EEC Council.