October 2026 | Tiger Bitumen, a brand of HY International Group
Kazakhstan bitumen exports could expand beyond the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) if the government approves a proposed winter exemption. Kazakhstan published a draft order on 19 October 2026 and opened it for public discussion until 4 November.
The order remains a proposal, not an approved policy. If the government adopts it, Kazakh road bitumen could reach destinations outside the bloc for the first time in more than three years.
Kazakhstan Bitumen Exports: What the Draft Order Proposes
Kazakhstan’s energy ministry plans to lift the ban on exports of BND road bitumen (EEU customs code 2713 20 000 0) to destinations outside the EEU during the country’s winter off-season, when demand typically falls.
The proposal remains at the consultation stage. Its final content, and whether the government adopts it at all, will become clear only after the public discussion period closes.
Background: Kazakhstan’s Current Bitumen Export Ban
Kazakhstan introduced the ban on road bitumen exports to destinations outside the EEU in April 2023. The current ban is scheduled to remain in force until the end of 2026. Before the government introduced it, most Kazakh bitumen exports went to Uzbekistan.
Since then, exporters have concentrated shipments within the bloc. According to market participants, Kazakh exporters shipped all their bitumen exports by road last year, with most volumes going to Kyrgyzstan. They supplied only small quantities of polymer-modified bitumen to Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
Why the Proposal Focuses on Winter
Winter weather prevents large-scale road construction in Kazakhstan. During this period, producers typically reduce or suspend output, while suppliers build stocks ahead of the return of spring demand.
The explanatory note accompanying the draft order cites three reasons for easing the restrictions: the seasonal pattern of road bitumen consumption, spare domestic production capacity, and the need to maintain stable refinery utilisation.
What Kazakhstan Bitumen Exports Could Mean for Regional Markets
Market participants say that approval would allow Kazakh producers to export bitumen during the winter months. They have identified China and Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan, as possible destinations. These are potential markets mentioned by participants, not confirmed trade flows.
Kazakh suppliers generally prefer road transport to rail because road shipments are faster. Most road exports have left plants in southern Kazakhstan and travelled relatively short distances to neighbouring countries.
Buyers can also follow wider Asian bitumen supply developments to understand the regional context, although the proposed policy does not confirm that Kazakh export volumes will increase.
What Remains Uncertain?
- Whether the government will approve the draft order and what the final version will contain.
- How the proposed seasonal arrangement would interact with the current ban, which is scheduled to remain in force until the end of 2026.
- When exports outside the bloc could begin and what quantities suppliers might ship.
- Whether exporters will actually supply the destinations that market participants have mentioned.
What Buyers in the Region Should Watch
- The consultation outcome: Watch for any final order after the public discussion period closes on 4 November.
- Winter stock levels: Kazakh suppliers typically build stocks over winter ahead of spring demand. If the government permits exports, these stock levels could help indicate how much product may be available.
- Product specifications: Buyers considering a new source should confirm that the grade meets their project or tender requirements before committing.
Conclusion
Kazakhstan bitumen exports could expand beyond the EEU if the government approves the draft order for the winter off-season. The proposal would mark a notable change to restrictions introduced in 2023, but it remains under public discussion. Its effect on regional supply will depend on the final decision, implementation details, and the volumes producers choose to export.
Tiger Bitumen, a brand of HY International Group, monitors regulatory and supply developments that can affect bitumen trade. Readers with questions about market conditions or their bitumen requirements are welcome to contact our team.
