Amid growing geopolitical tensions and a volatile gallium market, Kazakhstan has removed export duties on gallium metal to boost domestic production and enhance its global competitiveness.

Kazakhstan has lifted 10% gallium export duties in a move designed to boost domestic production and strengthen the country's role in critical materials production.

Kazakhstan has also imposed a temporary export ban on non-ferrous metal ingots and billets, including copper, aluminium, and lead, until 31 December 2025, aiming to boost domestic processing. 

Kazakhstan has produced gallium in the past but domestic capacity was idled in 2013 due to unfavourable market conditions. 

However, in June 2025, Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) announced its intention to produce 12tpy Ga (increasing to 15tpy) at its Pavlodar Alumina Plant. The plant is scheduled for first gallium production in Q4 2026, utilising red mud waste (also referred to as red sludge) as feedstock. 

While potential new supply out of Kazakhstan, coupled with the decision to lift duties, may one day have an impact – there will be no short-term implications for this China-dominated market. 

Roughly 99% of the world’s primary gallium output originates in China, with most ex-China facilities only responsible for upgrading material to higher purities. 

Meanwhile, China introduced global export controls on gallium in mid-2023 and banned the export of gallium to the USA in late 2024.  Since then, prices for ex-China gallium have increased by more than 150% compared to the Chinese EXW price.