National Bank of Kazakhstan raises key rate to 16.5%
The National Bank of Kazakhstan has raised the key interest rate by 1.25 percentage points today, from 15.25% to 16.5%, according to the financial regulator.
Kazakhstan’s EV market surges 60% in a year, driven by duty-free imports and rising Chinese EV popularity. Almaty leads registrations with 7,309 vehicles.
Kazakhstan's electric vehicle (EV) market is experiencing significant growth, with the number of registered electric vehicles increasing by over 60% in just one year, according to the Bureau of National Statistics.
By December 1, 2024, the total number of registered electric vehicles—including cars, trucks, and buses—had reached 12,587, up from 7,680 the previous year. The largest increase came from passenger cars, which jumped from 7,383 to 12,119 units.
Almaty, the country’s largest city, is leading in electric car registrations, with 7,309 EVs, while the capital, Astana, follows with 1,510. These figures reflect a growing interest in green transportation across the country.
According to the Energyprom analytical website, this surge in EV registrations can be largely attributed to the decision by the Eurasian Economic Commission’s Council to extend the duty-free import of electric vehicles until the end of 2025. This exemption from customs duties provides a 15% savings on the vehicle’s customs value, significantly lowering the cost of importing EVs and making them more accessible to Kazakhstanis.
A notable trend in Kazakhstan’s electric vehicle market is the increasing share of Chinese-made EVs. According to the Kazakhstan Automobile Union, the market share of Chinese vehicles has risen dramatically, from 10% three years ago to 39% today.
Experts explain that the growing popularity of Chinese electric vehicles in Kazakhstan is driven by a combination of factors. The competitive pricing of these vehicles, along with government support for green mobility, technological advancements, and an expanding selection of models, make them an attractive choice for many buyers.
As public acceptance of electric vehicles increases and government policies continue to favor green transportation, experts predict that the presence of Chinese EVs in Kazakhstan will only grow in the coming months.
Norway’s government has affirmed that it will continue to supply fuel for U.S. Navy vessels, dismissing recent calls from a private marine fuel supplier to halt deliveries amid tensions linked to U.S.-Ukrainian relations.
President Donald Trump is preparing a new travel ban that could block entry for people from Afghanistan and Pakistan as early as next week. The move is part of an intensified immigration crackdown.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, will chair the 20th EU-Central Asia Ministerial meeting hosted this year by Turkmenistan, in Ashgabat, on 4 March.
Heavy rainfall in northwestern Peru has caused a river to overflow, destroying infrastructure, flooding agricultural lands, and affecting at least 150 families in Tumbes province.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Tehran will not be pressured into talks, rejecting U.S. efforts to negotiate a nuclear deal. His remarks came a day after Donald Trump revealed he had sent a letter seeking discussions.
The Armenian Cabinet has approved the creation of defense attaché positions for the European Union and Belgium.
The President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze held a talks in Ashgabat on Friday.
Syria on Saturday welcomed the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s (OIC) decision to restore its membership following the fall of the Bashar Assad regime.
A dispute between U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and billionaire White House adviser Elon Musk erupted during a Cabinet meeting on Thursday, according to The New York Times.
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