Las Vegas-based kratom leader launches comprehensive product expansion featuring cutting-edge extraction methods and exclusive strain varieties

LAS VEGAS — Jack Botanicals, a prominent name in the botanical supplement industry, has announced a significant expansion of its kratom product portfolio for 2025. This launch represents a strategic evolution in the company’s mission to deliver superior-quality, rigorously tested kratom products to wellness-focused consumers across the United States.

As the natural wellness market continues its rapid growth, Jack Botanicals is positioning itself at the forefront of the kratom revolution with an expanded collection that emphasizes scientific validation, ethical sourcing, and consumer education. The new lineup combines time-tested favorites with innovative formulations designed to meet the diverse needs of today’s health-conscious consumers.

The 2025 collection showcases Jack Botanicals’ commitment to advancing industry standards through enhanced testing protocols, sustainable harvesting partnerships, and transparent manufacturing processes that give consumers unprecedented confidence in their botanical choices.

Jack Botanicals: Pioneering Excellence in the Kratom Market

Jack Botanicals has distinguished itself in the competitive kratom landscape through an unwavering commitment to quality, authenticity, and consumer trust. While other vendors struggle with inconsistent sourcing and questionable testing practices, Jack Botanicals has built its reputation on verifiable excellence and scientific rigor.

What sets Jack Botanicals apart in 2025:

• Advanced Testing Protocols – Every product undergoes comprehensive third-party laboratory analysis, including heavy metal screening, microbial testing, and alkaloid profiling to ensure safety and consistency.
• Direct Farm Partnerships – Exclusive relationships with certified farms in Indonesia and Thailand guarantee authentic, sustainably harvested kratom leaves from optimal growing regions.
• Comprehensive Product Range – From traditional powders to innovative liquid extracts and convenient capsule formulations, offering solutions for every lifestyle and preference.
• Batch-to-Batch Reliability – Sophisticated quality control systems ensure each purchase delivers the same alkaloid profile and experience users expect.
• Educational Commitment – Industry-leading resources help consumers make informed decisions about strain selection and responsible usage.
• Heritage Meets Innovation – Respecting traditional Southeast Asian kratom knowledge while incorporating modern scientific understanding and processing techniques.

This approach has established Jack Botanicals as a trusted partner for consumers seeking authentic, reliable kratom products in an increasingly crowded marketplace.

Jack Botanicals’ Premium Product Collection

Jack Botanicals offers a carefully curated selection of kratom products, each designed to meet specific wellness goals while maintaining the highest quality standards. Below are the flagship products that have earned customer loyalty and industry recognition.

Red Sumatra Kratom Powder: Premium Choice for Evening Wellness

Red Sumatra Kratom Powder stands out for its rich alkaloid content and exceptional consistency. Sourced from the fertile island of Sumatra, this strain features a deep, earthy profile with subtle sweetness. Available from $14.99, this powder is favored by users seeking deep relaxation and restorative calm during evening hours.

Product Highlights:

• Packaged in 50g, 125g, 250g, and 500g airtight containers
• Ultra-fine milling process ensures smooth texture and fast absorption
• Harvested from mature Red-vein trees in mineral-rich Sumatran soil
• Complete Certificate of Analysis included with every batch
• Consistently rated among the top Red strains by customer reviews

Kratom Energy Shot: Premium Fast-Acting Formula

Jack Botanicals’ Kratom Energy Shot delivers concentrated alkaloids in a convenient, pre-measured liquid format. Featuring a proprietary extraction process that maximizes bioavailability, each shot provides rapid onset and sustained effects. Priced at $8.99 per bottle, this product is ideal for professionals and active individuals seeking quick, reliable support.

Product Highlights:

• 2oz ready-to-drink bottles with extended shelf stability
• Precise alkaloid standardization ensures predictable results
• Travel-friendly design perfect for busy lifestyles
• Advanced extraction technology preserves full alkaloid spectrum
• No artificial flavors or unnecessary additives

Green Indo Kratom Capsules: Balanced Energy Throughout Your Day

Green Indo Kratom Capsules offer a harmonious blend of energy and focus without the harsh effects of stimulants. Sourced from Indonesian rainforest regions, this strain is encapsulated for convenience and accuracy. Starting at $22.99, these capsules are particularly popular among students, professionals, and anyone requiring sustained mental clarity.

Product Highlights:

• Precision-filled 600mg capsules ensure accurate dosing
• Packaged in 50-count, 100-count, and 200-count secure bottles
• Plant-based, non-GMO capsule shells suitable for all dietary preferences
• Cultivated in pristine Indonesian forests known for potent green veins
• Complete alkaloid analysis and purity certification provided

White Thai Kratom Powder: Premium Morning Energizer

White Thai Kratom Powder is celebrated for its invigorating properties and clean energy profile. Harvested from young White-vein leaves in Thailand’s northern highlands, this powder offers natural vitality and mental sharpness. Priced from $14.99, it’s become a morning ritual for thousands of satisfied customers.

Product Highlights:

• Available in 50g, 125g, 250g, and 500g moisture-sealed pouches
• Superfine consistency blends effortlessly into any beverage
• Sourced from highland White-vein trees for optimal potency
• Rigorous testing confirms purity and alkaloid concentration
• Grown using traditional organic farming methods

Fusion Blend Kratom Capsules: Complete Spectrum Support

Jack Botanicals’ Fusion Blend combines premium Red, Green, and White vein varieties in a scientifically balanced formulation. This innovative approach provides comprehensive alkaloid diversity in every capsule. Starting at $32.99 for 150 capsules, this blend offers versatility for users seeking well-rounded daily support.

Product Highlights:

• Each 600mg capsule contains expertly proportioned strain blend
• Available in 50, 100, and 200-capsule configurations
• Plant-derived capsules with seamless dissolution properties
• Carefully calibrated ratio of Red, Green, and White veins
• Full spectrum alkaloid profile verified through independent testing

Red Kalimantan Kratom Powder: Tranquility from Borneo

Red Kalimantan Kratom Powder offers a gentler alternative within the Red vein category. Sourced from the ancient forests of Kalimantan (Borneo), this strain delivers smooth, mellow relaxation. Starting at $14.99, it’s an excellent choice for those new to Red strains or seeking milder evening support.

Product Highlights:

• Supplied in 50g, 125g, 250g, and 500g UV-protective packaging
• Hand-harvested from old-growth Red-vein trees in Borneo
• Notably smooth alkaloid profile compared to stronger Red varieties
• Optimal particle size for tea preparation or direct consumption
• Comprehensive third-party verification for quality assurance

White Thai Kratom Capsules: Convenient Daily Vitality

White Thai Kratom Capsules provide the energizing benefits of White Thai powder in a no-taste, pre-measured format. Perfect for those with busy schedules or sensitive palates, these capsules deliver consistent results. Priced from $32.99 for 150 capsules, they’re a customer favorite for morning and midday wellness routines.

Product Highlights:

• Contains 600mg of premium White Thai powder per capsule
• Offered in 50, 100, and 200-capsule bottles
• Vegetarian-friendly, gelatin-free capsule construction
• Derived from Thai White-vein leaves known for clean energy
• Verified through independent laboratory alkaloid profiling

Introducing Jack Botanicals’ 2025 New Arrivals

Jack Botanicals continues to innovate with carefully selected new strains that expand consumer choice while maintaining the brand’s uncompromising quality standards. These additions reflect emerging customer preferences and represent the brand’s commitment to staying ahead of market trends.

Yellow Vietnam Kratom

Yellow Vietnam Kratom introduces a unique fermentation process that creates a distinctive alkaloid expression. This emerging strain variety offers characteristics that bridge the gap between traditional vein colors. Priced from $16.99, Yellow Vietnam appeals to experienced users seeking novel experiences and those interested in exploring kratom’s full spectrum.

Product Highlights:

• Available in 50g, 125g, 250g, and 500g sealed containers
• Unique post-harvest processing creates distinctive yellow appearance
• Balanced alkaloid profile suitable for various times of day
• Smooth, less bitter taste compared to traditional strains
• Complete quality verification through accredited laboratories

Green Hulu Kratom

Green Hulu Kratom comes from a rare growing region along the Kapuas Hulu river system in Indonesia. This strain has gained attention for its exceptional balance and prolonged effects. Starting at $15.99, Green Hulu represents Jack Botanicals’ commitment to sourcing unique, high-quality varieties from lesser-known regions.

Product Highlights:

• Sourced from Green-vein trees in protected Hulu Kapuas forests
• Package options: 50g, 125g, 250g, and 500g
• Medium-high alkaloid content provides extended duration
• Consistent ultra-fine grind for versatile preparation methods
• Verified for authenticity and potency through third-party analysis

White Malay Kratom

White Malay Kratom showcases the distinctive characteristics of Malaysian White-vein varieties. Known for providing clean energy with minimal agitation, this strain is quickly becoming a favorite among morning users. Priced from $15.99, White Malay demonstrates Jack Botanicals’ ability to source premium materials from diverse Southeast Asian regions.

Product Highlights:

• Harvested from White-vein kratom trees with characteristic large leaves
• Supplied in 50g, 125g, 250g, and 500g moisture-barrier pouches
• Preferred by users seeking gentle yet effective morning support
• Processed without additives, colors, or flow agents
• Laboratory verified for alkaloid content and microbiological safety

Chocolate Bentuangie Kratom

Chocolate Bentuangie Kratom undergoes a specialized fermentation and drying process that creates its unique profile and dark color. This rare strain variety has developed a dedicated following among kratom enthusiasts. At $17.99, it represents Jack Botanicals’ commitment to offering specialty varieties for discerning consumers.

Product Highlights:

• Distinctive processing creates unique alkaloid expression
• Available in 50g, 125g, 250g, and 500g packages
• Versatile effects suitable for various daily applications
• Notably smooth, chocolate-like flavor profile
• Thoroughly tested for consistency and quality standards

Why Kratom is Dominating the 2025 Wellness Conversation

The botanical supplement sector is experiencing unprecedented growth in 2025, with kratom emerging as a leading category driven by consumer demand for natural, effective alternatives. Once confined to specialty shops, kratom has entered mainstream wellness discussions as more people discover its versatility and potential to support various aspects of daily life.

Market analysts attribute kratom’s rising popularity to several converging factors: increased consumer skepticism toward synthetic solutions, growing appreciation for traditional botanical knowledge, and demand for products backed by transparency and testing. Jack Botanicals has positioned itself to meet this demand by combining authentic sourcing with modern quality assurance practices.

The diversity of kratom strains allows for personalized wellness approaches, with different varieties supporting different goals throughout the day. This adaptability has made kratom particularly appealing to consumers seeking holistic solutions that integrate seamlessly into existing routines.

Beyond variety, kratom’s emergence reflects a broader cultural shift toward plant-based wellness solutions that honor traditional use while incorporating contemporary scientific understanding. As a dietary supplement, kratom offers consumers agency in their wellness choices without the complications associated with pharmaceutical alternatives.

Jack Botanicals recognizes this moment as pivotal for the industry and is responding with products that exemplify what responsible kratom production looks like: transparent testing, ethical sourcing, and comprehensive education.

Understanding Kratom’s Wellness Applications

Kratom has gained recognition as a versatile botanical supplement supporting various aspects of daily wellness. While individual experiences vary, users commonly report the following benefits across different strain types:

Supporting Restful Sleep Patterns

Red vein strains, particularly when used in evening routines, are frequently chosen by individuals seeking to wind down and prepare for restful sleep. Many users incorporate Red varieties into their nighttime rituals to promote natural relaxation and transition smoothly into sleep cycles.

Promoting Calm and Centeredness

Both Green and Red vein strains are valued for their ability to support a sense of calm and emotional balance. Individuals managing daily stresses often turn to these varieties for their potential to foster relaxation while maintaining mental clarity and presence.

Enhancing Mood and Outlook

White and certain Green strains are commonly selected for their uplifting qualities. Users frequently report these varieties help maintain positive mood states and contribute to an optimistic outlook throughout demanding days.

Supporting Natural Energy Levels

White and Green kratom varieties are popular among those seeking natural energy without the downsides of caffeine or synthetic stimulants. These strains are often incorporated into morning routines or used during afternoon energy dips to support sustained vitality and mental alertness.

Occasional Stress Management

Many kratom users appreciate its potential role in managing occasional feelings of tension or worry. While not a medical treatment, kratom is frequently chosen as part of holistic approaches to maintaining emotional equilibrium during challenging periods.

Physical Comfort Support

Certain kratom strains, particularly Red varieties, are often selected by individuals seeking to maintain physical comfort during their daily activities. This application has made kratom popular among active individuals and those with physically demanding lifestyles.

Jack Botanicals’ Complete Product Format Guide

Jack Botanicals recognizes that consumers have diverse preferences for how they incorporate kratom into their wellness routines. Our comprehensive product line includes multiple formats, each designed to meet specific needs and lifestyle considerations.

Traditional Kratom Powder

Powdered kratom remains the most traditional and versatile format. Produced by grinding dried leaves into fine powder, this form allows maximum flexibility in dosing and preparation. Users appreciate the ability to precisely adjust their serving size and incorporate powder into various beverages, smoothies, or food preparations. Powder formats typically offer the best value per serving.

Convenient Kratom Capsules

Capsules eliminate taste considerations while providing precise, consistent servings in a portable format. Each capsule contains 600mg of pure kratom powder enclosed in plant-based shells. This format appeals to users who prefer discretion, consistency, and convenience. Capsules are ideal for maintaining regular supplementation schedules and are particularly popular among professionals and travelers.

Concentrated Kratom Extracts

Extract products utilize advanced processing to concentrate kratom’s active alkaloids into potent liquid or powder forms. These products are designed for experienced users seeking stronger effects or those with specific situations requiring rapid onset. Extracts like our Kratom Energy Shot provide maximum convenience and bioavailability in compact packaging.

Regulatory Compliance and Safety Standards

Jack Botanicals maintains the highest standards of regulatory compliance and consumer safety. As kratom exists in a complex regulatory environment, we prioritize transparency and education to help customers make informed decisions.

Kratom is classified as a dietary supplement at the federal level, and Jack Botanicals adheres to all applicable manufacturing and labeling requirements. Every product undergoes rigorous third-party testing for:

• Heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium)
• Microbiological contaminants (E. coli, Salmonella, yeast, mold)
• Alkaloid content (mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine levels)
• Pesticide residues and adulterants

Regarding state and local regulations, customers should be aware that kratom legality varies by jurisdiction. As of December 2025, kratom sales and possession are prohibited in: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Additionally, certain counties and municipalities maintain local restrictions, including Sarasota County (FL), Union County (MS), San Diego (CA), Jerseyville (IL), Oceanside (CA), and Ontario (OR). Tennessee permits powders and capsules but prohibits extract products.

International customers should note that many countries restrict or prohibit kratom imports, including but not limited to the United Kingdom, Australia, Malaysia, South Korea, Thailand, Myanmar, and several European nations. We strongly encourage all customers to research applicable laws in their jurisdiction before placing orders.

Jack Botanicals will only ship to locations where kratom is legal and maintains the right to refuse shipments to restricted areas. We are committed to operating within all applicable laws and supporting responsible kratom advocacy efforts nationwide.

What Distinguishes Jack Botanicals in the Kratom Industry

Jack Botanicals has earned its position as a leading kratom vendor through consistent dedication to principles that prioritize customer wellbeing and product integrity. Several key differentiators separate Jack Botanicals from competitors in the crowded kratom marketplace.

Ethical Sourcing Partnerships

Jack Botanicals maintains direct relationships with family-owned farms across Southeast Asia where kratom cultivation follows traditional, sustainable practices. These partnerships ensure leaves are harvested at peak alkaloid maturity and processed using methods that preserve natural compounds while respecting environmental and social responsibility.

Uncompromising Testing Standards

Every product batch receives comprehensive third-party laboratory analysis before reaching customers. These tests verify alkaloid concentrations, confirm absence of contaminants, and validate product identity. Certificates of Analysis are readily available for customer review, demonstrating our commitment to transparency.

Extensive Strain Diversity

Jack Botanicals’ catalog spans traditional favorites and rare specialty varieties across all vein colors and geographic origins. Recent additions like Yellow Vietnam and Chocolate Bentuangie demonstrate our commitment to offering both mainstream and boutique options that appeal to newcomers and enthusiasts alike.

Verified Customer Satisfaction

Independent reviews consistently highlight Jack Botanicals’ product reliability, customer service responsiveness, and value proposition. Our reputation is built on thousands of satisfied customers who depend on our products for their daily wellness routines.

Fair, Transparent Pricing

Pricing at Jack Botanicals reflects true value rather than premium positioning. Powders range from $14.99-$17.99 depending on variety, while capsule bottles start at $22.99 for 50-count packages. This pricing strategy ensures quality kratom remains accessible without compromising standards.

Authentic Product Integrity

Jack Botanicals products contain pure kratom with no fillers, additives, or artificial ingredients. Natural variation in leaf color and texture between batches is expected and reflects authentic botanical material rather than standardized manufacturing additives.

Customer Education and Support

Jack Botanicals provides comprehensive educational resources covering strain selection, usage guidelines, and responsible consumption practices. Our customer support team includes trained specialists who can answer questions and provide personalized recommendations based on individual needs.

About Jack Botanicals

Jack Botanicals is a Las Vegas-based kratom supplier specializing in premium, laboratory-verified botanical products. Founded on principles of quality, transparency, and customer education, Jack Botanicals has established itself as a trusted source for consumers seeking authentic Southeast Asian kratom.

The company’s product line encompasses traditional powders, convenient capsules, and innovative extract formulations, all sourced through direct partnerships with ethical farms in Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. Each product undergoes rigorous third-party testing to verify purity, potency, and safety before reaching customers.

Jack Botanicals distinguishes itself through unwavering commitment to quality control, transparent business practices, and comprehensive customer support. By maintaining direct farm relationships and implementing strict testing protocols, the company ensures batch-to-batch consistency and product authenticity.

As the kratom industry continues evolving, Jack Botanicals remains dedicated to advancing quality standards, supporting responsible usage education, and advocating for reasonable regulatory frameworks that protect consumers while preserving access to this traditional botanical.

Contact Information

Company Name: Jack Botanicals
Email: support@jackbotanicals.com
Website: www.jackbotanicals.com

For Media Inquiries:
Jack Botanicals Media Relations
Email: press@jackbotanicals.com

New Form 1099-DA Requirements, Full Cost-Basis Reporting, and Enhanced Compliance Reshape U.S. Crypto Taxation.

The U.S. Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) have enacted significant reforms that will fundamentally change how cryptocurrency activity is reported and taxed in the United States. Beginning in 2026, these new rules will place expanded reporting obligations on exchanges and custodial platforms and introduce full cost-basis reporting for certain digital assets, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and XRP.

These regulatory changes are designed to increase transparency in the cryptocurrency market, reduce errors in tax reporting, and strengthen compliance across the digital asset industry. While partial implementation begins with transactions in the 2025 calendar year, the new reporting framework will come into full force starting January 1, 2026.

As taxpayers prepare for this transition, firms such as Legal Tax Defense, Inc., a company specializing in legal tax defense and IRS debt relief services for tax levy, are tracking how the new reporting structure affects individuals and businesses involved in cryptocurrency transactions.

What Are the New IRS Rules in 2026?

One of the most significant changes is the introduction of Form 1099-DA, a new tax reporting form created specifically for digital assets. Brokers and custodial platforms are required to file Form 1099-DA for each sale or exchange of digital assets that occurs on or after January 1, 2025.

The implementation follows a two-phase approach:

• Phase One (2025 calendar year):
  Brokers are required to report gross proceeds only. This means the IRS receives information about how much a digital asset was sold for, but not the original purchase price or cost basis.
• Phase Two (starting in 2026):
  Brokers must report both gross proceeds and cost basis for certain digital assets classified as “covered securities.” Cost basis includes the original acquisition price of the asset, along with applicable transaction fees. This allows the IRS to calculate gains and losses more directly and reduces the likelihood of reporting errors.

While the new system improves consistency, it also requires exchanges and custodial platforms to maintain significantly more detailed internal records.

How These Changes Affect Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP Traders

Beginning in 2026, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP trades executed on custodial platforms will be automatically reported to the IRS through Form 1099-DA. For assets that are purchased and held within the same custodial account, the platform will track cost basis and report it directly.

This enhanced reporting may simplify tax filing for traders who operate within a single platform. However, investors who move digital assets between multiple exchanges or who prefer self-custody wallets must continue maintaining their own detailed records.

When cryptocurrency is transferred from one wallet to another, the transfer itself is not a taxable event. However, cost basis information does not automatically transfer with the asset. Taxpayers must track this information to ensure accurate reporting when the asset is later sold or exchanged.

For traders holding multiple cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP, across different platforms, accurate and complete recordkeeping becomes especially important.

Crypto-to-Crypto Trades Remain Taxable

The new reporting framework does not change the tax treatment of crypto-to-crypto transactions. Exchanging one cryptocurrency for another continues to be a taxable event and must be reported accordingly.

While improved reporting by custodial platforms may assist with tracking some transactions, traders using decentralized platforms or self-custody wallets remain responsible for calculating gains and losses on their own.

Transition Relief and IRS Enforcement Approach

Due to the complexity of the new reporting requirements, the IRS has provided transitional relief for brokers and custodial platforms. This relief protects platforms from certain penalties during the early implementation period, provided they make a good-faith effort to comply with the new rules.

This transitional relief applies to platforms, not taxpayers. The IRS has continued enforcement efforts related to unreported cryptocurrency income, signaling that taxpayers remain responsible for complying with all reporting requirements. As the new reporting system becomes routine, enforcement is expected to become more precise.

Policy Reversal Affecting DeFi and Decentralized Exchanges

In early 2025, Congress rolled back an IRS rule that sought to extend broker reporting obligations to decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms. Using the Congressional Review Act, lawmakers prevented the IRS from requiring certain DeFi platforms to collect user information and report transactions.

While this rollback reduces immediate regulatory pressure on decentralized platforms, it does not conclude the broader discussion. Lawmakers and regulatory agencies continue to evaluate how DeFi activity should be taxed, and future legislation or rules may introduce new reporting requirements.

Updates on Staking Rewards and Investment Vehicles

In 2025, the IRS issued guidance clarifying how staking rewards are treated for tax purposes. Staking rewards are considered taxable income upon receipt. Any subsequent sale of the rewarded cryptocurrency results in a separate capital gain or loss calculation.

This guidance applies to proof-of-stake networks such as Ethereum, where participants may receive staking rewards regularly throughout the year. The IRS also opened the door for certain investment vehicles, including trusts and exchange-traded products, to participate in staking activities without losing their tax-favored status. This expands the range of financial products that can support staking.

Recordkeeping Becomes More Important Than Ever

With expanded reporting requirements, precise recordkeeping is critical. Each transaction should be documented with accurate timestamps, transaction fees, and cost-basis information to avoid errors and potential penalties.

Major tax software companies and crypto tax platforms are already updating their systems to support Form 1099-DA and expanded cost-basis reporting. These tools are expected to help taxpayers reconcile their personal records with broker-reported information beginning in 2026.

Overall Impact on the Crypto Market

The IRS rule changes reflect a broader shift toward increased oversight and transparency in cryptocurrency trading. The two-phase rollout places crypto taxation on a framework more closely aligned with traditional securities reporting.

Traders, exchanges, and custodial platforms will need to adjust to the new requirements, but the long-term goal is a clearer and more consistent regulatory environment for the growing digital asset economy.

As these changes approach full implementation, taxpayers involved in Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, and other digital assets are encouraged to understand how the new reporting rules may affect their tax obligations.

About Legal Tax Defense, Inc.

Legal Tax Defense, Inc. is a U.S.-based firm specializing in legal tax defense and IRS debt relief services for tax levy. The firm assists taxpayers facing complex IRS-related matters as federal tax reporting requirements continue to evolve.

For more information, visit: https://www.legaltaxdefense.com/

For any inquiry, contact Steven J. Hirsch (Partner, Legal Tax Defense) at  admin@legaltaxdefense.com.

Resources Group (ERG), a Luxembourg-headquartered global metals and mining company, increased its investments in Kazakhstan to nearly $1 billion, according to the company.

The projected investment level represents an increase of about 40% compared to two to three years ago and nearly double ERG’s investment volumes in the pre-crisis period of 2018–2019.

“Our annual investment in Kazakhstan has grown substantially, and in 2025 it is projected to reach just under $1 billion – about 40% higher than two-three years ago. Compared with ERG’s investments in Kazakhstan in pre-crisis years (2018-2019), this represents almost a two-fold increase. Kazakhstan is ERG’s core, strategic region,” said Shukhrat Ibragimov, the CEO and Chair of the ERG Board of Directors.  

The company revised its development strategy, shifting its focus from geographic expansion to strengthening operations in its core regions Kazakhstan and Africa.

“Maintaining control over and managing all key business assets in ERG’s core regions is our absolute priority. A few years ago ERG was expanding to countries beyond its long-term presence, to so-called new frontiers of growth. We have reconsidered that previous approach. The company’s focus as an industry leader shifted from expansion to sustainability,” added Ibragimov.

Analysts at the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB) expect Kazakhstan’s economy to maintain steady and resilient growth of nearly 5.5% in 2026, while Central Asia as a whole is set to demonstrate the fastest growth rates of the past decade, according to the bank’s Macroeconomic Forecast for 2026–2028, presented at the bank’s year-end press conference on Dec. 19

Despite a more cautious global outlook, EDB analysts forecast that the region is increasingly driven by domestic investment, infrastructure expansion, and strong consumer demand, insulating it from external volatility better than in previous cycles.

Kazakhstan: investment, oil, and infrastructure drive growth

According to Alexey Kuznetsov, head of the research department, Kazakhstan’s GDP is expected to grow by nearly 6% in 2025, supported by active government-led investment programs and a recovery in oil production.

A major contributor will be Baiterek National Holding, which plans to increase the volume of state-backed financing to 8 trillion tenge (US$15.3 billion) this year. Through recapitalization, the holding is expected to support the launch of over 100 investment projects in manufacturing and the agro-industrial sector, reinforcing Kazakhstan’s industrial diversification agenda. Another key growth driver will be the Tengiz oil field, which is reaching full production capacity following the completion of its expansion project.

“In 2025, oil production is expected to rise by 10%, adding 0.3–0.4 percentage points to overall GDP growth. In 2026, production is forecast to continue increasing by another 3.3%,” Kuznetsov said. 

Beyond hydrocarbons, Kuznetsov highlighted the importance of the National Infrastructure Plan through 2029, which is moving into the implementation phase. In particular, large-scale projects aimed at modernizing the energy and utilities sectors are expected to stimulate investment, employment, and productivity growth across the economy.

Central Asia: fast growth, strategic importance

According to the EDB Chief Economist Evgeny Vinokurov, Central Asia has firmly established itself as a large, fast-growing, and strategically important economic region. This year, EDB expanded its macroeconomic coverage to include Uzbekistan, allowing for a more comprehensive regional analysis. With this addition, EDB’s macroeconomic models now cover four of the five Central Asian countries.

“The Uzbekistan model is fully developed, integrated with regional linkages, and tested. Uzbekistan is a fast-growing economy with ambitious long-term plans, and its inclusion significantly strengthens our regional analysis,”  Vinokurov said.

The region is currently experiencing its strongest growth momentum in more than ten years. In 2025, the EDB forecasts aggregate growth of 6.6%, including 5.9% in Kazakhstan, 10.3% in Kyrgyzstan, 8.3% in Tajikistan, and 7.4% in Uzbekistan.

Looking ahead to 2026, Central Asia is expected to continue expanding at around 6.1%, well above the global average. The region’s combined GDP is projected to exceed $600 billion, driven by sustained investment and robust consumer demand. Country-specific growth forecasts for 2026 include 5.5% for Kazakhstan, 9.3% for Kyrgyzstan, 8.1% for Tajikistan, and 6.8% for Uzbekistan.

Inflation trends and monetary policy outlook

EDB analysts also point to gradual disinflation across Central Asia, creating conditions for a more flexible monetary policy stance in several countries. In Kazakhstan, inflation is expected to slow to 9.7% year-on-year by the end of 2026, after peaking in March–April, according to Kuznetsov.

“The increase in VAT from 12% to 16% will add inflationary pressure in the first quarter, but overall price growth will remain under control. This is due to tight monetary policy, the government’s decision to freeze utility tariff increases, and the introduction of partial price regulation,” he said. 

By the end of 2026, inflation is forecast at 8.3% in Kyrgyzstan, 6.7% in Uzbekistan, and 4.5% in Tajikistan, remaining within target ranges. Vinokurov noted that slowing inflation should open the door to interest rate cuts in several economies, while regional currencies are expected to remain broadly stable.

In Kazakhstan, however, elevated inflation means monetary easing will come later. The EDB expects the base rate to remain at 18% until the second quarter of 2026, after which the National Bank is likely to begin gradually easing policy. By the end of 2026, the base rate is expected to decline to around 14%.

The average exchange rate of the tenge is forecast at KZT 535 per US dollar in 2026.

According to Kuznetsov, downward pressure on the tenge will stem from lower oil prices relative to recent averages and reduced foreign-currency transfers from the National Fund. However, these pressures are expected to be partially offset by record-high interest rates, rising oil export volumes, and the mandatory sale of 50% of export revenues by quasi-sovereign companies, which will support foreign-currency supply in the domestic market.

Broader Eurasian outlook

Across the wider Eurasian region, the EDB expects investment activity and domestic demand to remain the primary growth drivers in 2026, despite moderate global economic growth and persistently high interest rates. The aggregate GDP growth of the seven EDB member states is forecast at 2.3% in 2026. Growth is expected to remain strong in Kyrgyzstan (9.3%), Tajikistan (8.1%), Uzbekistan (6.8%), and Kazakhstan (5.5%), while more moderate growth is forecast for Armenia (5.3%), Belarus (1.8%), and Russia (1.4%).

According to the EDB, investment remains the key driver of growth, particularly in manufacturing, extractive industries, energy, and construction. Commodity markets are moving in different directions: oil prices may fall, while metals and gold could rise, driven by demand for clean energy technologies and central banks buying gold to diversify their reserves.

Global Context: growth slows, risks persist

Globally, economic growth is expected to continue in 2026, but at a more moderate pace. The EDB forecasts the United States (U.S.) GDP growth at around 1.6%, the euro area near 1%, and China at 4.6%, remaining the main engine of global expansion. Vinokurov described the current period as one of adaptation to new global rules, particularly rising trade barriers and tariffs.

In the U.S., investment in IT infrastructure will provide key support, but rising debt servicing costs are increasingly crowding out corporate investment. In Europe, economic growth will be supported by higher government spending on defense and infrastructure, while in China, authorities are actively stimulating domestic demand, a significant structural shift.

Vinokurov also warned of potential “black swan” risks, including corporate defaults and renewed escalation in U.S.–China tensions.

“The era of near-zero interest rates is over. The world has returned to historically normal borrowing costs. While this is not abnormal, it creates challenges: companies and governments must refinance large volumes of debt at much higher rates,” he said.

As a result, a growing share of income will be diverted to debt servicing, leaving less capital available for new investment. Vinokurov concluded that for the global economy, interest payments will act as a macroeconomic brake for some time.