President Tokayev responds to Trump over US import tariffs

Tengrinews.kz - President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has sent a response letter to US President Donald Trump regarding Washington’s decision to impose import tariffs on goods from Kazakhstan, citing Akorda.

In the letter, Tokayev emphasized Kazakhstan’s commitment to maintaining fair, predictable, and mutually beneficial trade relations with the United States, calling attention to the country's role as a long-standing trade and investment partner.

The president also reaffirmed Kazakhstan’s readiness to continue constructive dialogue aimed at finding a balanced resolution to the trade dispute.

“President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed confidence that a compromise on the trade issue can be reached,” the statement from Akorda noted.

Background

Starting August 1, 2025, the United States will impose a 25 percent tariff on certain goods imported from Kazakhstan. The measure was outlined in an official notice sent by Donald Trump to President Tokayev.

In response, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Trade and Integration issued a statement noting that the majority of Kazakh exports to the US would remain unaffected. According to the ministry, around 95 percent of Kazakhstan’s shipments to the United States are exempt from the new tariffs, including key raw and strategic materials such as oil, uranium, silver, ferroalloys, tantalum, and titanium.

The ministry also noted that the Kazakh government has submitted specific proposals and initiatives to the White House aimed at improving bilateral trade terms.

The US side is currently reviewing these proposals and is expected to announce the date for further negotiations.

Kazakhstan remains open to dialogue to protect its national economic interests.

In 2024, trade turnover between Kazakhstan and the US totaled $4.2 billion, a 4% increase compared to 2023. Kazakhstan’s top exports to the US included oil (56.2% of total volume), uranium (16.4%), silver (12.2%), ferroalloys (9.5%), and tantalum and its products (0.89%). From January to May 2025, bilateral trade amounted to $1.27 billion, with Kazakh exports to the US totaling $418 million.

Similar letters were sent to more than 10 other countries. Specifically, starting August 1, tariffs of 25 percent will apply to Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Tunisia. Tariffs of 30 percent will be introduced for South Africa and Bosnia and Herzegovina; 35 percent for Serbia and Bangladesh; 32 percent for Indonesia; and 40 percent for Laos and Myanmar.