Rep. Panetta’s Statement Calling on Congress to Prioritize the Repeal of Outdated Trade Restrictions with Kazakhstan

Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), chair of the House Kazakhstan Caucus, released the following statement reiterating his call for the repeal of outdated trade restrictions with Kazakhstan:

“As we approach Kazakhstan’s Republic Day, celebrating its sovereignty from the Soviet Union, I call on the U.S. Congress to prioritize the removal of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment as it applies to Kazakhstan.”

“The Jackson-Vanik Amendment is a Cold War relic, interfering with the United States’ efforts to grow our trade and diplomatic relationships with countries that surround Russia. This amendment continues to prevent Kazakhstan from receiving Permanent Normal Trade Relations status, despite its full compliance with the Trade Act of 1974 and status as a country annually granted Normal Trade Relations.

“Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, Congress removed the application of the Jackson-Vanik Amendment to numerous former Soviet states, including Albania, Estonia, Armenia, Ukraine, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, and notably, Russia. Kazakhstan remains a glaring outlier.

“Kazakhstan is a respected member of the World Trade Organization and a reliable partner in implementing U.S. sanctions and export control regimes. The bilateral trade relationship between the United States and Kazakhstan totals $2.5 billion each year. Strengthening our trade relationship with Kazakhstan has the potential to open a new trading partner for critical minerals and other resources while fostering greater investment and diplomatic ties between our two nations. It is long overdue to eliminate this outdated amendment’s application to Kazakhstan, and I will continue my efforts to achieve this goal."

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