Kazakhstan aims to produce automotive steel by 2028 to increase vehicle localization

Kazakhstan plans to establish domestic automotive steel production and expand local auto parts production as part of its strategy to deepen the localization of the country's automotive industry, and the Qarmet integrated steel mill is expected to begin producing automotive steel by 2028, according to a company statement.

The initiative was discussed during a government meeting chaired by Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, who instructed the Ministry of Industry and Construction to prepare a comprehensive plan for the establishment of local production of automotive components within a month.

The government is striving for greater localization

Prime Minister Bektenov stated that the development of a domestic automotive component base that meets modern industry standards is a strategic priority for Kazakhstan. He stressed that this would require expanding the range of locally produced materials used in the automotive industry.

According to Bektenov, Qarmet already produces special grades of steel for buses and trucks at its enterprises in the Karaganda region, and the next stage will be the establishment of production of automotive steel for passenger cars.

According to the current schedule, Qarmet plans to begin production of automotive grade sheet steel in 2028, and commercial production of stamped vehicle body components is scheduled to begin in 2029. The planned enterprise will be able to produce at least 100,000 stamped sets of vehicle bodies at