Kazakhstan begins talks with U.S. over increased tariffs, plans WTO consultationsKazakhstan has launched consultations with the United States over proposed tariff increases and will raise the issue at the World Trade Organization, the Ministry of Trade and Integration said Tuesday."The government has started talks with the U.S. to prevent the higher duties from taking effect," Seryk Ashitov, deputy director of the ministry’s foreign trade department, told reporters. "The matter will also be brought to international forums like the WTO to limit any negative impact."He noted that there is no evidence suggesting the tariffs would significantly impact Kazakhstan’s exports. "Nevertheless, the government and the Ministry of Trade will continue working with American counterparts to minimize the effects of such unilateral measures and strengthen trade relations," Ashitov added.The U.S. initially announced higher tariffs on imports that varied by country, with Kazakhstan facing 27% rates, before granting a 90-day reprieve to more than 75 countries on April 9, temporarily capping rates at 10%. Kazakhstan has ruled out retaliatory tariffs for now, focusing instead on securing exemptions.According to the Ministry, the tariffs would affect only 4.8% of Kazakhstan’s total exports to the U.S., primarily targeting goods such as phosphorus ($15.9 million in 2024), ferrosilicon ($15.9 million in 2024), lenses ($4.1 million), wheat gluten ($4.1 million), and ammonium nitrate ($2.4 million). Oil, uranium, silver, and ferroalloys, which make up 92% of exports, remain exempt.According to the Ministry, Kazakhstan’s trade with the U.S. grew by 4% in 2024 compared to 2023, reaching $4.2 billion. Kazakh exports to the U.S. rose by 30.6% to $2 billion, while imports of US goods totaled $2.2 billion. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX