Kazakhstan's Ministry of Industry and Construction has imposed a six-month ban on the export of steel billets. Effective July 26, 2025, the prohibition applies to iron and non-alloy steel in ingots or other primary forms (excluding iron of heading 7203), and semi-finished products made of iron or non-alloy steel.

This measure is to encourage domestic metallurgical enterprises to expand their steel industry, focusing on producing finished products with higher added value in the middle and upper processing stages.

A similar export restriction was previously implemented in December 2024.