Kazakh leader responds to Trump’s tariff letter, urges fair trade compromise

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has sent a reply to US President Donald Trump following Washington’s announcement of a 25% tariff on goods from Kazakhstan effective August 1, Tokayev's press service has said.

Tokayev confirmed his country’s readiness for dialogue and expressed confidence in reaching a compromise, Caliber.Az reports, citing Kazakh media.

“The President of Kazakhstan confirmed our country’s readiness to continue constructive dialogue aimed at finding a reasonable solution to trade issues. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed confidence in achieving a compromise on the trade matter,” the statement said.

Kazakhstan is committed to developing fair and predictable trade relations with the United States, viewing Washington as a long-standing trade partner, Tokayev said in his letter.

“The Head of State emphasised that Kazakhstan, as a long-standing trade and investment partner of the United States of America, is committed to developing fair, predictable, and mutually beneficial trade relations,” the presidential press service added.

On July 9, Trump sent a letter to Tokayev announcing that, starting August 1, 2025, the United States will impose a 25% tariff on all goods imported from Kazakhstan. “There will be no Tariff if Kazakhstan, or companies within country, decide to build or manufacture product within the United States, and in fact, we will do everything possible to get approvals quickly and professionally and routinely — In other words, in a matter of weeks,” Trump said in the letter.

By Khagan Isayev