Uzbekistan shadow economy reaches 245.5 trln soums in H1

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The gross value added of Uzbekistan's unobserved economy reached 245.5 trillion soums in the first half of 2026, accounting for 22.9% of the country's gross domestic product, according to the National Statistics Committee.

Activities conducted by households and individuals formed the largest component of the unobserved economy, generating 165.5 trillion soums and representing 15.4% of total GDP. The remaining 80 trillion soums came from the hidden economy, which comprised 7.5% of GDP.

By sector, agriculture, forestry, and fishing recorded the highest share of unobserved economy within its respective total gross value added, at 60.5%.

In the services sector, the unobserved share stood at 23%, while construction recorded 17.8% and industry registered 6.7%.

The data shows that more than a fifth of Uzbekistan's GDP in the first six months of 2026 was generated within the unobserved economy, primarily driven by household and individual economic activities.