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Kazakhstan exported €611 million worth of iron, steel and aluminium to the EU in 2025, according to the Ministry of Trade, as reported by inbusiness.kz. These shipments fall under the EU’s carbon rules, which entered their paid phase on 1 January 2026. The requirements affect producers’ competitiveness and investment decisions.
Exporters discussed the EU’s carbon rules in Antalya
Preparations by Kazakh companies were discussed at the COP31 climate conference in Antalya. QazTrade, the Ministry of Trade and Integration and the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources organised the meeting.
The discussion focused on CBAM, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. It imposes a charge on iron, steel and aluminium imported into the EU. The rules also cover cement, fertilisers, hydrogen and electricity.
The charge is linked to the carbon price in the EU’s emissions trading system. For Kazakh producers, this adds another cost to consider when planning production investments.
The EU takes 54% of Kazakhstan’s aluminium exports
One figure shows how much the European market matters to aluminium producers. According to the Ministry of Trade, Kazakhstan shipped 110,184 tonnes of aluminium worth €274 million to the EU in 2025. The EU’s share of total aluminium exports rose from around 6% to 54%.
Iron and steel shipments to the EU totalled 396,318 tonnes, worth €337 million. That is about 6% of Kazakhstan’s exports of these products. The new requirements add another factor affecting the competitiveness of Kazakhstan’s exports.
Companies need emissions data and production upgrades
Companies need to track emissions and verify the accuracy of their calculations. Participants discussed businesses’ readiness to meet these requirements, as well as the trading of carbon allowances, which are permits to emit a set quantity of greenhouse gases.
The Ministry of Trade links the new requirements to the need to modernise production. According to the ministry, participants drew up proposals to support companies and upgrade production so Kazakh exporters can prepare for European market requirements.
Related reading: QazTrade’s additional application round for exporter cost reimbursement.
