Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Public Council under Uzbekistan's Chamber of Commerce and Industry has rejected a proposal to reinstate import duties of 15–30% on 12 categories of food products that had previously been imported duty-free.
The proposal was considered during a regular meeting of the council, where participants examined the potential impact of higher customs duties on food prices and affordability for consumers.
The discussions highlighted the need to consider domestic production and import volumes, consumer demand, household income levels and the potential consequences of additional tariffs for the population.
During the meeting, one participant cited figures showing that Uzbekistan had produced 84,000 tonnes of milk and cream, compared with imports of 15,000 tonnes.
Zafar Khashimov, founder of the Korzinka supermarket chain, warned that higher prices for dairy products could affect household dietary habits.
He argued that if cheese, cottage cheese and yogurt became less affordable, consumers might increasingly turn to cheaper alternatives, including bread and tea with sugar.
According to Khashimov, such changes in consumption patterns could negatively affect public health.
Financier and blogger Otabek Bakirov also raised concerns about the affordability of dairy products for Uzbek families.
"The Uzbek people have only just begun to live in a way that allows children to eat these products rather than having them hidden away or saved for guests. People have started moving beyond everyday concerns about putting food on the table and thinking about broader goals. But cheese has still not reached every Uzbek household," Bakirov said.
He emphasized that increases in domestic production and import volumes do not necessarily mean dairy products have become affordable for all families.
Following the discussions, the Public Council rejected the draft decision to reinstate import duties on the 12 categories of food products.
