U.S.–Central Asia Forum spotlights strategic mineral partnerships amid shifting global dynamics

Central Asia’s growing relevance in the global critical minerals supply chain took center stage at the U.S.–Central Asia Forum hosted by the Atlantic Council’s Eurasia Center on June 4.

As geopolitical tensions reshape trade alliances, policymakers and industry leaders emphasized the region's potential to become a key U.S. partner in securing vital raw materials essential for energy transition and national security.

Andrew D’Anieri of the Atlantic Council called it “an opportune time to do more in the region,” citing strong growth forecasts and increased geopolitical independence among Central Asian states. World Bank projections show Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan poised for 5–7% growth in 2025, with Turkmenistan slightly lower at 2.3%.

U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Montana), who has visited all five Central Asian republics, stressed widespread regional enthusiasm for deeper ties with Washington. He also called for the removal of outdated barriers like the Jackson-Vanik amendment that still affects U.S. trade with Kazakhstan.

Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to the U.S., Yerzhan Ashikbayev, emphasized the country’s role as a global mining leader, producing 20 of the 50 U.S.-listed critical minerals—eight of which the U.S. is entirely import-dependent on. “Kazakhstan aims to play a vital role in strengthening global supply chain resilience,” he said, citing abundant reserves, midstream processing capacity, and political stability.

However, Ashikbayev criticized legislative hurdles such as lack of free trade status, EV tax credit exclusion, and the “foreign entities of concern” classification, which penalizes Kazakhstan for its proximity to China and Russia. “It’s outrageous,” he said, urging legal reform to unlock investment.

Uzbekistan’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Alisher Akhmedov, echoed the need for greater U.S. engagement, calling critical minerals a central pillar of bilateral cooperation. “This partnership isn’t just about development—it’s about building trust,” he noted.

Former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Geoffrey Pyatt underscored the urgency of reducing U.S. dependence on adversarial powers in strategic sectors. He pointed to Kazakhstan’s copper and uranium as key to diversifying supply chains, especially with rising demand and security concerns in the civilian nuclear sector.

Reed Blakemore of the Atlantic Council emphasized that infrastructure—electricity, transport, and logistics—is essential for turning resource potential into economic performance. He warned that focusing solely on extraction would leave the U.S. supply chain strategy incomplete.

He also highlighted the Middle Corridor transport route linking Central Asia to Europe via the Caspian Sea as an underutilized asset, noting a 62% increase in freight traffic last year. Kazakhstan aims to double that volume by 2027 and is expanding its rail network and Caspian fleet to support the effort.

The forum concluded with calls for a comprehensive U.S. strategy that goes beyond raw material access to include infrastructure, midstream development, and investment-friendly policy reform—positioning Central Asia not just as a resource provider, but as a strategic partner in global supply chain resilience.

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