China’s decision to tighten regulations on feed meal imports is causing alarm among Kazakhstan’s exporters, who fear significant disruption in a rapidly expanding sector.
New registration requirements disrupt flow
Kazakh authorities report that Chinese veterinary regulators now require all suppliers to undergo mandatory re-registration before exporting feed meal to China. Local industry leaders warn that this new approval process is complex and time-consuming, threatening to halt export growth.
The policy is part of China’s broader feed import safety and traceability efforts. However, exporters say that the changes will create immediate bottlenecks, with extra paperwork, inspections, and delays.
Export boom at risk
Fuelled almost entirely by Chinese demand, Kazakhstan’s feed meal exports have surged. In the 2024/25 marketing year alone, shipments to China exceeded 2.2 million tonnes—nearly 3 times the previous season’s volume. Wheat-based meal makes up about 80% of exports, with barley meal comprising the rest.
This rapid growth has triggered major investments in grain crushing facilities, ensuring Kazakhstan’s position as a leading supplier to China’s feed manufacturers, especially in northeastern regions.
However, the new registration rules are already impacting the industry. Exporters must now compile extensive documentation and undergo inspections, causing shipments to slow.
According to the Kazakhstan Union of Grain Producers, delays in obtaining re-registration codes may force processing plants to stop operations temporarily, risking production shutdowns. Rail logistics may also be affected, potentially halting exports in the short term.
Heavy reliance on the Chinese market
Kazakhstan’s feed meal industry is highly dependent on China, which accounts for 98–99% of export volumes, offering few alternative markets. Industry projections saw potential exports exceeding 2.5 million tonnes in 2025/26 and reaching 3 million tonnes in subsequent years—assuming smooth access to China’s market.
But analysts warn that even short-term disruptions could threaten recent investments and stifle future growth.
Tougher oversight prompted by rising volumes
Some market observers speculate that China’s regulatory tightening may be a response to rapidly increasing import volumes, alongside efforts to ensure feed safety and supply chain traceability. While higher imports have helped resolve feed shortages in some regions of China, they may also have led to stricter controls.
Kazakhstan’s government and industry bodies are urging quick resolution to the registration process to avoid lasting damage to the export sector.
