Will Mongolia ban social networks for children, as Australia and France have done? www.open.kg

This topic is actively discussed in the Ministry of Education.

On its official website, Minister of Education Naranbayar Purevsuren published information that the ministry is developing a draft law that will restrict the use of social networks by children. This decision is based on growing data about the negative impact of social networks on young users, — reports MiddleAsianNews.

The minister also noted that in countries such as Australia, France, South Korea, and Spain, there are already legal precedents where restrictions were introduced for users under 16 years old or similar measures.

In his speech, he emphasized that Mongolia aims to actively involve parents, educators, platform operators, and child rights protection specialists in the process of developing the new law that will be implemented in practice.
   

Foreign Trade Turnover Reaches USD 2.6 Billion www.montsame.mn

In January 2025, Mongolia traded with 105 countries, and total foreign trade turnover reached USD 2.6 billion.

Of this amount, exports totaled USD 1.7 billion and imports USD 843.0 million, resulting in a trade surplus of USD 906.5 million, the National Statistics Office of Mongolia reported.

Total trade turnover increased by 30.7 percent, or USD 608.9 million, compared to the same period last year. Exports rose by 71.6 percent, or USD 730.2 million, while the trade surplus increased 16.5 times, or by USD 851.5 million. Imports, however, declined by 12.6 percent, or USD 121.3 million.

The growth in exports was mainly driven by increases in copper ore and concentrates by USD 462.3 million, coal by USD 167.6 million, unprocessed or semi-processed gold by USD 95.5 million, and canned meat products by USD 8.3 million. Meanwhile, exports of fluorspar ore and concentrates decreased by USD 15 million, zinc ore and concentrates by USD 6 million, crude oil by USD 5.6 million, and molybdenum ore and concentrates by USD 2.5 million.

The decline in imports compared to the same period last year was largely due to decreases in passenger cars by USD 73.1 million, trucks by USD 36.1 million, vehicle spare parts and components by USD 17.6 million, diesel fuel by USD 13 million, and bulldozers and excavators by USD 7.5 million. Conversely, imports of gasoline increased by USD 26.8 million, nitrogen fertilizers by USD 5.8 million, and packaged medicines by USD 3.5 million.

Furthermore, compared to the previous month, exports decreased by 11 percent, or USD 215.2 million, while imports declined by 23.8 percent, or USD 263.9 million. Mineral products, precious stones, metal jewelry, and base metals accounted for 96.7 percent of total exports. On the import side, mineral products, machinery and mechanical equipment, electrical goods and transport vehicles and their parts, as well as base metals and articles thereof, comprised 72 percent of total imports.

Mongolia Revokes Permits of Six Foreign NGOs www.montsame.mn

The Immigration Agency of Mongolia is conducting oversight of the activities of branches and representative offices of international and foreign non-governmental organizations operating in the country.

Within this framework, the Agency has revoked the permits of six organizations to operate in Mongolia in accordance with the Regulation on Granting, Extending, Revoking Permits, and Supervising the Activities of Branches and Representative Offices of International and Foreign Non-Governmental Organizations in Mongolia.

Specifically, the permits of Republic of Korea-based Raphael International, National Institute for Environmental Research/Monitoring and Global Care, the Czech Republic–based Caritas Czech Republic, the United States–based La Mission De Joie, and Russia-based Silk Way Rally have been revoked.

As of today, a total of 70 branches and representative offices of international and foreign non-governmental organizations are operating in Mongolia.

Mining drives Mongolia’s economy as reform momentum builds www.eastasiaforum.org

Mongolia’s economic outlook signals continued steady growth and structural adjustment amid intensifying political transformation in 2026. GDP is expected to rise by 5.6 per cent — a gradual deceleration compared to 2025 — but still reflecting generally robust momentum. Growth in 2025 was predominantly supply‑driven. The mining sector has been a central driver — a trend that may prove unsustainable amid shifting external conditions.

Mongolia’s non-mining economy grew unevenly by 5.3 per cent. Agriculture was the standout contributor, surging by 33.8 per cent due to favourable conditions following the severe 2023–24 winters — which lifted herd numbers and pastoral productivity. Agriculture’s gains were primarily pastoral rather than being driven by crop output.

Construction expanded by more than 15 per cent on the back of public investment and housing development. Manufacturing grew by 8 per cent as food processing and wool- and cashmere-based industries increased capacity utilisation. The energy sector also grew moderately, despite persistent electricity shortages and ageing infrastructure.

But services faced significant strain in 2025 as reduced coal export revenues led to employment declines of 6.6 per cent in the trade sector and 3.1 per cent in the transport sector. Both sectors are expected to recover gradually from 2026 onwards as household consumption strengthens and labour market conditions stabilise.

On the demand side, consumption grew by 9 per cent, driven by rising wages and strong credit growth. This helped offset a 5.8 per cent contraction in investment in the first three quarters of 2025. The shift toward supply-driven growth marks a notable shift toward a growth model powered by production capacity and external commodity conditions.

Mining will remain Mongolia’s core growth engine in 2026. Relatively strong global prices, alongside stable output from the Oyu Tolgoi copper and gold mine, will underpin sectoral performance, with coal continuing as the key driver. Non-mining growth is likely to diversify — agricultural expansion will moderate due to its high base. Growth in construction, manufacturing and services is likely to accelerate.

Inflation remained elevated at 7.5 per cent in December 2025, above the Bank of Mongolia’s target range. Food prices rose 11.3 per cent, while non-food inflation eased to 6.1 per cent. Poor harvests, weak seasonal declines in meat prices, rising wages and fuel supply risks all contributed to persistent inflationary pressures.

Regulated price hikes — especially sharp electricity tariff increases from late 2024 and heating tariff adjustments — added further cost‑push pressure. Though the Bank of Mongolia raised its policy rate to 12 per cent, inflation may climb again in early 2026 due to public‑sector wage hikes before easing toward 6.1 per cent in 2027. Food-driven inflation will continue to strain households.

Foreign trade totalled over US$27 billion, with a US$4.4 billion surplus as exports reached US$15.8 billion and imports US$11.3 billion. Compared with 2024, exports dipped by 0.1 per cent and imports declined by 2.6 per cent. Export composition shifted strongly — copper ore exports surged 76 per cent and gold exports rose 38 per cent on strong global prices, while coal exports dropped 34.6 per cent amid weaker demand and falling prices. Though Mongolia benefited from high metal prices, its heavy reliance on coal continues to expose it to fluctuations in Chinese demand and global commodity cycles.

Fiscal performance deteriorated in 2025, with the structural budget balance posting a MNT 1.2 trillion (US$796 billion) deficit — contemporaneously estimated at 1.5 per cent of GDP. Revenue growth slowed to 1.3 per cent, while spending increased by 2.3 per cent — led by current transfers, goods and services and capital outlays. Despite underperforming on revenue, Mongolia’s debt remained relatively low at an estimated 39.7 per cent of GDP, while foreign exchange reserves reached over US$7 billion — a historic high — helping bolster macroeconomic stability.

These economic changes took place within a highly turbulent political landscape. A three-party coalition government collapsed in June 2025 after a no-confidence vote triggered by mass protests in Ulaanbaatar over corruption, inequality and alleged government waste. Factional tensions within the ruling Mongolian People’s Party have persisted despite the formation of a replacement governing coalition. The opposition Democratic Party also underwent major renewal, electing reformist Odongiin Tsogtgerel as chairman ahead of the 2028 elections.

In September 2025, the new government launched the ‘New Confidence – Bold Reform’ program within the 2026–2030 Five-Year Development Plan. The reforms target ten major domains. These include government efficiency, taxation, state-owned enterprises, public administration, rural development and green energy. Austerity measures were also introduced to close a potential MNT 3.3 trillion (US$6.7 billion) budget gap. The government has further pursued downsizing of the civil service and restructuring of state-owned enterprises. Long-term feasibility will be hampered by scale and sensitivity despite early macroeconomic stabilisation. The agenda will face pressure from public expectations, entrenched bureaucratic interests and shifting political alignments.

Mongolia’s 2026 economic trajectory will hinge heavily on the external environment, particularly global commodity markets and Chinese demand. Domestically, political consolidation — marked by an increasingly assertive presidency and reduced intra-party fragmentation — will be critical to shaping policy implementation. The government’s ability to manage internal tensions, sustain reform momentum and mitigate external vulnerabilities will determine whether Mongolia can maintain stability during this pivotal phase of economic and institutional transformation.

Narantuya Chuluunbat is Professor at the Economics Department of the National University of Mongolia.

P.Naranbayar announces plan to draft law to restrict children’s use of social networks www.gogo.mn

P.Naranbayar, Minister of Education, posted on his official website that the Ministry of Education will prepare a practicable law to restrict children’s use of social networks, citing growing evidence of harm to young users.

The Minister pointed to legal precedents in countries such as Australia, France, the Republic of Korea and Spain, where under-16 access limits or related measures have been introduced. He said Mongolia will seek broad participation from parents, educators, platform operators and child-welfare experts to design a law that can be implemented in practice.

“Eagle Festival-2026” to be held on March 7-8 www.gogo.mn

The 20th “Eagle Festival” will take place on March 7–8, 2026 at the Chinggis Khaanii Khuree tourist complex.

The festival, dedicated to preserving and promoting Mongolia’s traditional eagle hunting heritage, aims to pass on the customs and unique culture of nomadic communities to younger generations. This year’s event is notable for expanding into a World Championship format for the first time.

To facilitate attendance, a free shuttle bus service will operate between the parking area in front of Sukhbaatar Square and the Chinggis Khaanii Khuree tourist complex for citizens and tourists.

Beate Dastel: UNICEF will continue the implementation of successful projects and programs in Mongolia www.open.kg

On February 23, Beate Dastel officially took office, handing over her credentials to the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mönkhtushig Lkhanaajav.

Mönkhtushig noted the significant and lasting contribution of UNICEF to achieving Mongolia's social and economic goals, especially in the area of child rights protection and their development. He expressed satisfaction with the fruitful cooperation aimed at improving maternal and child health, expanding educational opportunities, strengthening social protection, and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable groups.

Beate Dastel confirmed UNICEF's readiness to continue implementing successful projects and programs in Mongolia and emphasized the intention to strengthen cooperation to ensure the well-being of children in the country.

Beate Dastel is an Austrian citizen with experience in international development and strategic planning. Prior to her appointment in Mongolia, she served as the Permanent Representative in Djibouti and was also the Deputy Permanent Representative in Laos and Bhutan, as reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Saxaul Tree Cultivated in Winter Greenhouse for First Time in Mongolia www.montsame.mn

The Agro-Ecology Center and Tree Nursery of Military Unit No. 336 under the Mongolian Armed Forces has successfully cultivated seedlings of the saxaul tree in a winter greenhouse for the first time in Mongolia. The team collected saxaul tree seeds in November 2025 and conducted a pilot propagation program in a winter greenhouse during the first two months of 2026.

The saxaul tree (scientifically known as Haloxylon ammodendron) grows exclusively in the Gobi regions of Mongolia and Central Asia. It is a long-lived species, capable of surviving for hundreds of years, with an extensive and deep root system adapted to arid conditions. The species constitutes a significant portion of Mongolia’s forest resources and serves as a dominant tree in the Gobi zone.

Ecologically, the saxaul plays a crucial role in maintaining environmental balance in desert areas. It helps combat desertification, stabilizes shifting sands, and prevents soil erosion. In addition, it provides fodder for livestock and wildlife and supports the broader ecosystem of the Gobi region.

Mongolia's Proposed Senior Unsecured Notes Assigned 'BB-' Long-Term Foreign Currency Rating www.spglobal.com

S&P Global Ratings today assigned its 'BB-' long-term foreign currency issue rating to the benchmark-size U.S. dollar-denominated senior unsecured notes that Mongolia proposes to issue.

The note issuance is part of the Mongolian government's liability management exercise. Concurrently, Mongolia (BB-/Stable/B) has announced a voluntary tender offer on its U.S. dollar-denominated bonds due 2026, 2028, and 2029. The government intends to fund the tender offer using proceeds from the note issuance.

The notes represent direct, general, unconditional, unsecured, and unsubordinated obligations of the sovereign and rank equally with the sovereign's other unsecured and unsubordinated debt obligations.

The rating on the notes is subject to our review of the final issuance documentation.

Moody’s assigns B1 rating to Mongolia bonds on refinancing plan www.in.investing.com

Moody’s Ratings assigned a B1 rating today to proposed senior unsecured, U.S. dollar denominated bonds to be issued by the Government of Mongolia. The notes will rank pari passu with all of Mongolia’s existing and future senior unsecured obligations. The proceeds will be used to fund a tender offer to repurchase a portion of its bonds and for refinancing upcoming maturities.

The rating of the proposed notes mirrors Mongolia’s long term issuer rating of B1 with a stable outlook. Mongolia’s credit profile is supported by solid economic growth prospects underpinned by strong demand for key mineral exports, particularly copper, alongside an emerging track record of effective debt and fiscal management. Structural demand for copper related to electrification and digital infrastructure supports medium term growth, while ongoing increases in output will further strengthen export performance.

The government debt burden declined to around 43% of GDP at year end 2025 from about 74% of GDP in 2020, supported by strong nominal growth and prudent debt management. Moody’s expects fiscal deficits to widen modestly over the next few years, reaching about 4.3% of GDP in 2026, as revenue growth moderates and spending pressures persist. The firm forecasts a broadly stable debt ratio of about 44% of GDP in 2026.

Credit strengths are balanced by Mongolia’s continued reliance on commodities, which exposes fiscal and external metrics to price fluctuations, particularly for coal. While coal remains a significant export, its price sensitivity to developments in China’s property and steel sectors constrains revenue visibility. External liquidity risks remain elevated given sizeable market debt maturities in the second half of the decade, though these risks are mitigated by continued access to international capital markets and the government’s track record of refinancing upcoming obligations.

Mongolia’s ESG credit impact score is CIS-4, driven by high exposure to environmental and governance risks. The sovereign’s exposure to environmental risks reflects an economy that is highly dependent on the production and export of hydrocarbons, particularly coal, which leaves the sovereign susceptible to carbon transition risk. Exposure to governance risks reflects still weak executive institutions and policy effectiveness, despite recent progress on structural reforms.

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