Key Takeaways
• US imposes 25% tariff on most Kazakh goods starting August 1, 2025, exempting key raw materials and strategic products.
• Kazakhstan seeks diplomatic negotiations without retaliation; main exports like oil, uranium, and metals remain tariff-free.
• Trade volume was $4.2B in 2024; tariffs could raise US average import rate from 15.5% to 17.3%.
On July 11, 2025, President Donald Trump’s administration announced that the United States 🇺🇸 would impose a 25% tariff on most goods imported from Kazakhstan 🇰🇿, starting August 1, 2025. This decision, part of a broader shift in U.S. trade policy, aims to address what the administration calls “years of distortions” and “unsustainable trade deficits.” The move has immediate and long-term implications for businesses, workers, and policymakers in both countries, as well as for the global trade system.
Key Details of the 25% Tariff Announcement
President Trump and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross revealed the new 25% tariff in early July 2025. The Kazakh government, led by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, received formal notification on July 7. The tariff was originally set to begin on July 9 but was postponed to August 1 to allow for final talks and proper notification. This new tariff replaces a previously suspended 27% duty announced earlier in the year.
The 25% tariff applies to most Kazakhstani goods entering the United States 🇺🇸. However, there are important exemptions. Key raw materials and strategic goods—such as crude oil, uranium, silver, ferroalloys, tantalum, and titanium—are not subject to the new tariff. According to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Trade and Integration, about 95% of Kazakh exports to the U.S. will not be affected because these are mainly raw materials and strategic commodities.
Kazakhstan’s Response and Diplomatic Approach
President Tokayev and the Kazakh government have chosen a diplomatic path. They have expressed a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with the United States 🇺🇸 and have avoided any threats of retaliation. Kazakhstan has already submitted proposals to the U.S. to improve trade terms and is preparing for negotiations to seek solutions that benefit both countries. The Ministry of Trade and Integration has stated there will be no reciprocal tariffs and is focusing on assessing the impact and supporting affected sectors.
U.S. Justification and Broader Trade Strategy
President Trump’s administration argues that the tariffs are necessary to fix trade imbalances and to address what it sees as “tariff and non-tariff barriers” imposed by Kazakhstan 🇰🇿. The administration has warned that if Kazakhstan responds with its own tariffs, the U.S. will increase tariffs even further. The White House is also using tariffs as leverage against countries aligned with BRICS, threatening an extra 10% tariff for those seen as following “anti-American policies.”
Trade Volume and What Gets Affected
Trade between Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 and the United States 🇺🇸 has grown in recent years. In 2024, the two countries traded $4.2 billion worth of goods, a 4% increase from 2023. From January to May 2025, trade turnover was $1.265 billion, with Kazakh exports to the U.S. totaling $418.2 million.
Kazakhstan’s main exports to the United States 🇺🇸 in 2024 included:
– Crude oil: $1.1 billion (56.2% of total exports)
– Uranium: $322.9 million (16.4%)
– Silver: $239.9 million (12.2%)
– Ferroalloys: $188.2 million (9.5%)
– Tantalum and products: $17.6 million (0.89%)
These major exports are all exempt from the new 25% tariff. The tariff will mostly affect smaller, non-strategic exports, such as certain food products and manufactured goods, which make up a small part of Kazakhstan’s total exports to the United States 🇺🇸.
How Much Will the Tariff Change U.S. Trade Policy?
If all threatened tariffs are put in place, the average U.S. tariff rate on imports will rise from 15.5% to 17.3%. This is a big jump from the 2.5% average rate in 2024. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, these changes could make it more expensive for U.S. companies and consumers to buy imported goods, not just from Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 but from other countries facing similar tariffs.
Limited Immediate Economic Impact for Kazakhstan
Most experts agree that the direct economic impact on Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 will be limited. Since the country’s main exports to the United States 🇺🇸—oil, uranium, and metals—are exempt, only a small part of Kazakhstan’s export industry will feel the effects. The main sectors that could be affected are small-scale exports, such as starch and gluten. These are not large enough to threaten Kazakhstan’s agriculture or industry as a whole.
Diplomatic and Strategic Implications
While the immediate economic impact is small, the tariffs have bigger diplomatic and strategic consequences. The Trump administration’s move is seen as part of a larger effort to pressure countries to lower their own trade barriers and to push for new global trade rules that favor U.S. interests. Kazakhstan’s recent decision to join BRICS, effective January 1, 2025, may have played a role in its inclusion on the tariff list. President Trump has made it clear that countries aligned with BRICS could face extra duties.
Negotiation and What Comes Next
Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 is actively working to negotiate exemptions or better terms. The U.S. administration is reviewing Kazakhstan’s proposals, and a date for negotiations is expected soon. The United States 🇺🇸 has said it may adjust tariffs up or down depending on how these talks go and on the broader trade relationship.
Step-by-Step: What Will Happen Next?
- Tariffs take effect August 1, 2025, unless the two countries reach a new agreement or the U.S. administration decides to delay the start date.
- Kazakhstan and the United States 🇺🇸 are preparing for negotiations on trade terms, with Kazakhstan having already submitted proposals.
- Kazakh exporters of non-exempt goods will face a 25% duty on shipments to the United States 🇺🇸 starting August 1, unless they move production to the U.S., which would exempt them from the tariff.
- Ongoing monitoring and possible adjustments: The U.S. administration may change the tariffs depending on the outcome of negotiations and the global trade environment.
Expert and Stakeholder Perspectives
Barry Appleton, from the Center for International Law, says the tariffs make access to the U.S. market a “pay to play” situation. He warns that if these tariffs are widely used, they could cause inflation and slow down global economic growth. Paul Ashworth, from Capital Economics, points out that the effective U.S. tariff rate will rise sharply if all threatened measures are put in place.
Kazakh analysts stress the importance of a careful response. They say Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 relies heavily on raw material exports and is vulnerable to changes in global trade policy. By avoiding retaliation and focusing on negotiation, Kazakhstan hopes to protect its economic interests while maintaining good relations with the United States 🇺🇸.
Implications for Businesses and Workers
For Kazakh businesses that export non-exempt goods to the United States 🇺🇸, the new 25% tariff means higher costs and less competitiveness. Some companies may consider moving production to the United States 🇺🇸 to avoid the tariff, but this is not a simple or cheap solution. For U.S. importers and consumers, the tariffs could mean higher prices for certain goods, although the impact is expected to be small because most Kazakh exports are not affected.
What Should Affected Companies Do?
- Review product lists: Companies should check which goods are covered by the new tariff and which are exempt. The Kazakhstan Ministry of Trade and Integration provides guidance on affected goods.
- Explore supply chain options: Businesses may need to look for new suppliers or consider moving production to the United States 🇺🇸 if possible.
- Stay informed: Companies should follow updates from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Kazakhstan Ministry of Trade and Integration for the latest information on tariffs and negotiations.
- Engage with policymakers: Affected businesses can work with trade associations and government agencies to share their concerns and help shape future trade policy.
Broader Impact on Immigration and Global Mobility
While the 25% tariff itself does not directly affect immigration policy, changes in trade relations can have indirect effects on global mobility. For example, if trade tensions lead to job losses or reduced investment, this could affect the number of people seeking work or study opportunities in the United States 🇺🇸 or Kazakhstan 🇰🇿. Companies facing higher costs may slow down hiring or cut back on international assignments.
In some cases, trade disputes can also lead to changes in visa policies or work permit rules, especially if countries decide to retaliate in areas beyond trade. For now, both the United States 🇺🇸 and Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 have said they want to avoid escalation and focus on negotiation.
Official Resources and Where to Get Help
For the most up-to-date information on tariffs and trade policy, readers can visit the U.S. Department of Commerce. The Kazakhstan Ministry of Trade and Integration also provides updates and support for affected businesses.
Summary and Practical Takeaways
- The United States 🇺🇸 will impose a 25% tariff on most goods from Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 starting August 1, 2025.
- Key exports like oil, uranium, and metals are exempt, so the direct economic impact on Kazakhstan is limited.
- Kazakhstan is seeking to negotiate better terms and has avoided retaliation.
- The tariffs are part of President Trump’s broader strategy to pressure countries on trade and target BRICS-aligned nations.
- Businesses should review their export lists, explore supply chain options, and stay informed about ongoing negotiations.
- The broader impact may include changes in investment, jobs, and possibly immigration patterns if trade tensions continue.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the Trump administration’s 25% tariff on Kazakhstan is a clear sign of changing U.S. trade policy. While the immediate effects are limited, the move highlights the importance of careful negotiation and the need for businesses and policymakers to stay alert to shifting global trade dynamics.
For those affected, the best steps are to stay informed, prepare for possible changes, and engage with both government and industry groups to protect their interests. The coming months will be critical as Kazakhstan and the United States 🇺🇸 work to find common ground and avoid a deeper trade conflict.
Learn Today
Tariff → A tax imposed on imported goods to protect domestic industries or correct trade imbalances.
BRICS → An acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, a group influencing global economics and trade.
Raw Materials → Basic materials like crude oil and metals used in production, often exempt from tariffs.
Trade Deficit → When a country imports more goods than it exports, causing an economic imbalance.
Supply Chain → The system of production, handling, and distribution of goods from origin to consumer.
This Article in a Nutshell
On August 1, 2025, the US will enforce a 25% tariff on most Kazakh imports, excluding key raw materials. Kazakhstan pursues negotiations amid concerns of rising costs, reflecting shifts in global trade policy and pressure on BRICS-aligned countries, with limited immediate economic impact but significant diplomatic consequences.
— By VisaVerge.com
