Uzbekistan Eyes Used Car Exports to Afghanistan

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Chairperson of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan Davron Vakhabov has highlighted significant export potential in Afghanistan’s automotive market, proposing the development of a new direction for Uzbek businesses.

According to estimates cited by the Chamber, potential exports to Afghanistan could reach up to 100,000 vehicles per year, representing a market valued at around US$500 million. The focus is primarily on used vehicles, which are seen as a new revenue stream for entrepreneurs and a tool for diversifying export flows.

Vakhabov noted that Afghanistan’s population is around 40 million people, with annual demand for used cars estimated at between 250,000 and 300,000 units.

He stated that most vehicles currently entering Afghanistan originate from the United States and Japan and are routed through the United Arab Emirates, with further transit via Iran and Pakistan. However, geopolitical tensions have disrupted parts of these traditional logistics corridors.

In this context, he urged Uzbek businesses to more actively explore opportunities in the Afghan market, including exports of Chevrolet models such as Lacetti, Nexia, Matiz and Spark. He added that the Chamber is ready to support businesses in organizing supply chains, including deliveries to markets in Mazar-i-Sharif and Kabul.

It was also noted that payments in the Afghan market are largely conducted in cash. The Chamber said that, together with relevant authorities, mechanisms are being developed to ensure the legal repatriation of funds to Uzbekistan.

The development of car exports is also expected to create additional opportunities for shipments of Chevrolet spare parts to Afghanistan.