Uzbekistan Raisin Exports Surge 34% in Early 2026

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan's raisin shipments jumped by a third in four months — reaching 44 markets and $24.5 million in revenue as global appetite for the country's dried fruit shows no sign of slowing.

The Central Asian nation exported 21,400 metric tons of raisins between January and April 2026, according to figures released by the National Committee on Statistics. The volume represents a year-on-year increase of approximately 5,400 tons, or 33.5%, compared with the same period in 2025.

Kazakhstan dominated the buyer list, absorbing 7,300 tons — more than a third of total shipments. China ranked second at 2,200 tons, followed closely by Russia at 2,100 tons and Turkey at 2,000 tons.

Beyond the top four, Azerbaijan received 801 tons and the United Arab Emirates took delivery of 739.6 tons. The remaining roughly 6,200 tons were distributed across the other 38 countries in Uzbekistan's export network.

The breadth of the geographic footprint — spanning 44 nations across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and beyond — underscores Uzbekistan's ambition to position itself as a dominant supplier in the global dried fruit market, where Turkey and Iran have traditionally held leading roles.

Uzbekistan's Fergana Valley and surrounding regions are historically among the world's most productive grape-growing zones, and government-backed initiatives in recent years have pushed producers toward improved post-harvest processing and packaging standards to meet international phytosanitary requirements.

The 33.5% export surge in the first four months of 2026 suggests those investments are translating into tangible commercial results — and that demand well beyond the country's immediate neighborhood continues to grow.