Uzbekistan is prepared to impose reciprocal economic measures in response to Tajikistan's actions, which effectively block the export of Uzbek construction materials. This was announced by Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjaev at a meeting with entrepreneurs and diplomats on January 17, Asiaplus.tj reports.
According to Khodjaev, Tashkent is concerned about the growing barriers imposed by Tajik authorities, which artificially reduce the competitiveness of Uzbek products in the neighboring market.
The main problem lies in the application of the so-called reserve customs clearance scheme. Despite the submission of a complete set of required documents, Uzbek goods are subject to additional verification procedures for their value and specifications. This leads to delays in clearance and an automatic 15% increase in product prices. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that if this practice continues, Uzbekistan will take symmetrical measures against Tajik imports.
The situation in the finishing materials sector is particularly critical. Ilyos Rakhimov, acting head of the Uzbek Industrial Construction Materials Association, clarified that, effective December 1, 2025, Tajikistan introduced an additional fee of $450 per ton of Uzbek ceramic tiles, with a base customs value of $300. As a result, exporters' overall costs have increased significantly: while previously clearing a shipment of goods cost approximately $2,000, this amount has now reached $12,000.
Such measures effectively make shipments economically unviable and hinder Uzbek manufacturers' operations in the Tajik market. Despite direct appeals to Tajik authorities, the issue has remained unresolved for over two months. Under these circumstances, Uzbek businesses are counting on the active use of diplomatic channels and staunch advocacy for national economic interests at the government level.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
January 21, 2026