Kazakhstan to export coal to EU via Russian ports under sanctions exemption

Kazakhstan has reached an agreement to export coal to the European Union through Russian ports, the Kazakh Ministry of Trade and Integration said on Monday.

Following negotiations with EU counterparts, Kazakhstan secured an exemption from restrictions on transactions involving Russian ports, allowing the transit of Kazakh coal.

The exemption applies under specific conditions: the coal must be of exclusively Kazakh origin; ownership must belong to non-residents of countries under EU sanctions; and Russian ports must be used only for transit, loading, or shipment—not for purchase or production on Russian territory.

Kazakhstan's coal exports to the EU fell to 5.2 million tonnes in 2024 from 6.1 million tonnes the previous year. In January–May 2025, exports totaled 1.6 million tonnes.

“Despite the temporary decline in volumes, the measures taken should help restore coal deliveries to the EU and strengthen the resilience of logistics routes,” the ministry said.