Uzbekistan sees sharp decline in passenger car imports amid non-tariff restrictions

In January 2025, Uzbekistan imported 1,796 light vehicles valued at $31 million, marking a significant decline in both value and quantity, according to the monthly report from the Customs Committee.

The total import value decreased more than sevenfold, while the number of vehicles imported dropped by 5.6 times.

The sharpest decline was in the import of hybrid vehicles, which decreased by 31 times. The import of electric vehicles and gasoline-powered vehicles fell by 6.7 times and 2.5 times, respectively.

For comparison, in the same period last year, 10,152 vehicles with a total value of $221.4 million were imported. Over the course of the past year, the import of vehicles decreased by more than sevenfold in value and by 5.6 times in quantity.

It is important to note that, starting from November 1, 2024, all imported vehicles are now undergoing technical testing not at the customs territory, but at a specialized testing polygon in Piskent.

Additionally, electromagnetic compatibility checks have been introduced for vehicles imported by individual entrepreneurs or private importers.

The current capacity of the testing polygon, which is significantly below the actual demand, may be a key factor contributing to the sharp reduction in vehicle imports.

#import #monopoly