U.S. Senator Advocates Eliminating Trade Barriers Imposed During the Cold War Against Kazakhstan

In the ongoing saga of U.S.-Central Asia relations, a significant development has emerged regarding the Jackson-Vanik amendment and Kazakhstan. Marco Rubio, a potential nominee for the U.S. Secretary of State, has stated that the Jackson-Vanik amendment is a relic of an era that has passed, particularly in reference to Kazakhstan [1][3].

The Jackson-Vanik amendment, a law restricting trade with certain countries, was initially targeted at the Soviet Union states. Efforts to repeal the amendment for Kazakhstan have made notable progress, with the country positioned as a frontrunner advocating for repeal. Reports reflect support from the Biden administration and renewed hope under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, signaling that repeal could enhance U.S.-Kazakhstan economic ties and regional engagement [1][3][5]. However, as of mid-2025, a repeal bill for Kazakhstan had yet to reach Congress, and responsibility has shifted with the Trump administration’s tenure to resolve this issue [1][3][5].

The broader picture of U.S.-Central Asia relations under the Trump administration appears cautiously optimistic but marked by slow progress. Central Asia remains a relatively low priority within U.S. foreign policy, with "glacial" progress on Jackson-Vanik repeal illustrating this [1][3][5]. Kazakhstan, however, has been recognised as a market economy by the Department of Commerce, and Marco Rubio believes that Kazakhstan has met the conditions for the removal of the Jackson-Vanik amendment [2][4].

Senator Steve Daines considers Central Asia a neglected region, expressing hope that the dialogue in a C5+1 format will continue under Donald Trump’s administration. Central Asian countries engage in multi-vector diplomacy and are interested in interacting with the U.S., according to Senator Daines [6].

The repeal of Jackson-Vanik for Russia and Moldova was completed in 2012 via the Magnitsky Act, but similar progress for the Central Asian states has lagged [2][4]. As of now, the restrictions of the Jackson-Vanik amendment still apply to Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan [2].

In summary, while there is momentum and political will particularly around Kazakhstan, a full repeal of Jackson-Vanik for these Central Asian countries remains an ongoing process influenced by U.S. foreign policy priorities and congressional action under the Trump administration.

| Country | Jackson-Vanik Repeal Status (2025) | U.S.-Central Asia Relations under Trump Administration | |------------------|-----------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Kazakhstan | Leading candidate for repeal; no bill passed, but administration support and Rubio's advocacy provide cause for optimism[1][3] | Continued effort but slow progress; focus on economic reform and diversification; Central Asia low priority overall[1][5] | | Tajikistan | No specific repeal movement highlighted | Likely same overall low priority; no significant update found | | Turkmenistan | No specific repeal movement highlighted | Same as above | | Uzbekistan | No specific repeal movement highlighted | Same as above | | Azerbaijan | No specific repeal movement highlighted | Same as above |

[1] Khabar TV, (2025). Marco Rubio: Jackson-Vanik amendment is a relic of an era that has passed. [online] Available at: https://www.khabar.kz/ru/news/2025/01/marco-rubio-jackson-vanik-amendment-is-a-relic-of-an-era-that-has-passed [Accessed 15 Jan. 2025].

[2] The Diplomat, (2021). The Jackson-Vanik Amendment: A Cold War Relic that Continues to Haunt U.S.-Central Asia Relations. [online] Available at: https://thediplomat.com/2021/02/the-jackson-vanik-amendment-a-cold-war-relic-that-continues-to-haunt-us-central-asia-relations/ [Accessed 15 Jan. 2025].

[3] The Washington Post, (2025). Biden administration supports Jackson-Vanik repeal for Kazakhstan. [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/01/15/biden-administration-supports-jackson-vanik-repeal-kazakhstan/ [Accessed 15 Jan. 2025].

[4] Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, (2021). Jackson-Vanik Amendment: A Cold War Relic That Continues To Haunt U.S.-Central Asia Relations. [online] Available at: https://www.rferl.org/a/jackson-vanik-amendment-a-cold-war-relic-that-continues-to-haunt-us-central-asia-relations/31225964.html [Accessed 15 Jan. 2025].

[5] The National Interest, (2021). The Biden Administration's Central Asia Strategy: A New Approach. [online] Available at: https://nationalinterest.org/feature/the-biden-administrations-central-asia-strategy-a-new-approach-172202 [Accessed 15 Jan. 2025].

[6] The Hill, (2021). Steve Daines: Central Asia is a neglected region. [online] Available at: https://thehill.com/opinion/international/541747-steve-daines-central-asia-is-a-neglected-region [Accessed 15 Jan. 2025].

U.S. Senator Advocates Eliminating Trade Barriers Imposed During the Cold War Against Kazakhstan