Uzbekistan increased the import of passenger cars to 73,204 units in 2023, Gazeta.uz reports, citing the Statistics Agency under the President of Uzbekistan.
This is 2.4 times higher than the 2022 figure of 30,388. In previous years, car imports grew at a slower pace: 12.7% in 2022 and 5.2% in 2021.
The cost of deliveries reached nearly $1.8 billion, which is 2.9 times higher than in 2021 ($588.2 million).
Out of the total, 79.3% of deliveries, or 58,078 cars, come from China. The share of Chinese cars has sharply risen compared to previous years: 32.8% in 2021, and 36.9% in 2022.
Imports of cars from South Korea, the USA, Germany, and Japan are also increasing, but their share is decreasing.
India emerged as a major car supplier in 2023. However, Russia and Kazakhstan, which were in the top 5 in previous years, significantly reduced their figures.
On January 1, 2023, the sale of new imported cars was allowed not only to official dealers but also to other importers. Following this, various companies and individuals started delivering cars from abroad, mainly from China.
For instance, individuals on online platforms offer to deliver a Chevrolet Monza with a 1.5L engine to Uzbekistan for $17-19 thousand (including customs duties and delivery) within 15-20 days. Similar offers have emerged for electric cars.
In late 2024, the Uzbekistan government began discussions on tightening rules for the import of cars and electric cars. From 2024, individuals were planned to be prohibited from importing cars for commercial purposes. Additionally, there was a proposal to revert to selling new foreign cars only through official dealers. These regulations have not been adopted yet.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
February 6, 2024.