Uzbekistan to Cut Customs Duties by Over 30%

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Uzbek government intends to reduce overall customs duties by over 30%, aiming to support exporters and improve trade conditions. The announcement came from Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev during an open dialogue with entrepreneurs in Navoiy region on April 3.

The discussion was prompted by a request from SVS Navoiy, a foreign-owned company specializing in knitted and textile products. The company sought relief amid rising export potential.

According to Doniyor Ganiev of the Cabinet of Ministers, customs duties on exports were increased in 2025 following the removal of a 50% exemption. The alignment of export and import rates was part of legislative harmonization in preparation for Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization.

Ilhomjon Pardayev, head of the Entrepreneurial Activity Support Department of the Customs Committee, said that a proposal to reduce duties has already been submitted to the government and is under review by the Presidential Administration.

Ganiev noted that exporters previously benefited from a 50% duty exemption that offset high import costs. After the equalization of rates, businesses faced higher burdens, prompting the proposal to cut duties by 30%.

Khodjaev instructed authorities to expedite the process, emphasizing that a systematic decision should be made within a month.

The current customs framework was introduced in May 2025, following the Cabinet of Ministers’ approval in January 2025, and updated rates began applying in 2026.