Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The European Union and Uzbekistan have discussed ways to expand bilateral trade and make more effective use of preferential access for Uzbek products to the European market under the GSP+ scheme.
The meeting was held in Tashkent on 4 November, bringing together representatives of the government, business associations, international organisations and diplomatic missions. It was organised by the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan and the International Trade Centre (ITC).
One of the main topics was the presentation of the EU’s new Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) regulation, which will take effect on 1 January 2027. Participants also reviewed Uzbekistan’s use of existing trade preferences and prospects for further export growth.
According to the EU Delegation, Uzbekistan has significantly increased its use of the preferences since becoming a GSP+ beneficiary in 2021. In 2025, the utilisation rate reached 90%, compared with the global average of 74%.
Renata Wrobel, Chargée d’Affaires of the EU Delegation to Uzbekistan, said Uzbek exports benefiting from GSP+ preferences had increased almost fivefold since 2021, reaching 448 million euros in 2024.
Sectors with potential to expand exports
The discussions in Tashkent drew on the results of the EU-funded project “Uzbekistan: Strengthening Trade Integration and Partnerships through GSP+ and the Country Platform”. The International Trade Centre has been implementing the project since January 2026.
As part of the project, a study titled “Enhancing Uzbekistan’s Opportunities to Benefit from the European Union’s GSP+ Scheme” was prepared. It examines current use of trade preferences, identifies barriers to exports and develops recommendations for local businesses.
The study covers five sectors with export potential: fertilisers, mineral products, electrical and mechanical equipment, textiles, and fruit and vegetables. Initial findings were presented at the meeting to discuss possible measures to improve the competitiveness of Uzbek goods in the EU market.
Entrepreneurs were also introduced to a practical guide to exporting from Uzbekistan to the European Union under GSP+. It outlines the conditions for accessing trade preferences and the product requirements applicable in Uzbekistan and the EU.
New GSP rules to take effect in 2027
Uzbekistan has benefited from GSP+ since 2021. The scheme provides duty-free access to the EU market for approximately two-thirds of tariff lines, covering a broad range of goods.
In June 2026, the European Union adopted a new GSP regulation covering the period from 1 January 2027 to the end of 2036.
Existing beneficiary countries, including Uzbekistan, will have a two-year transition period covering 2027–2028.
To continue receiving GSP+ preferences from 1 January 2029, interested countries must submit the relevant applications by 31 December 2028.
In response to the changes, the EU and its partners intend to continue dialogue with Uzbek government agencies and businesses while providing practical support to enterprises.
The focus will be on improving the use of trade preferences, diversifying exports and strengthening economic ties between Uzbekistan and the European Union.
