Uzbek Cotton and the Textile Push — 2026-09-08
Uzbekistan’s textile sector continues its rapid expansion, with exports surging 24.1% in the first half of 2026 and total trade turnover reaching $49.5 billion through July. As the new cotton harvest begins, regional hubs like Namangan prepare for a 254,500-ton yield, while new customs regulations take effect in October to streamline export procedures.
Uzbek Cotton and the Textile Push — 2026-09-08
Namangan Region Targets 254,500 Tons in New Harvest
As the 2026 cotton harvest commences, the Namangan region has outlined its production targets, planning to collect 254,500 tons of raw cotton. The campaign covers 48,800 hectares and utilizes 178 harvesting machines, including 57 newly acquired units, signaling continued investment in mechanization to boost efficiency and reduce labor intensity during peak season.
Total Trade Turnover Hits $49.5 Billion Through July
Uzbekistan’s foreign trade turnover reached $49.5 billion in the first seven months of 2026, an 8.1% increase year-on-year. While non-gold exports grew significantly by 27.7%, driven largely by services and tourism, the overall export figure was tempered by a decline in gold shipments. This data highlights the diversification of Uzbekistan’s economy beyond raw commodities.
New Customs Rules to Streamline Exports Starting October
Starting October 1, 2026, Uzbekistan will implement revised customs regulations affecting VAT calculations for exports and introducing tax offset procedures for imports. These changes are designed to simplify administrative procedures for textile and industrial exporters, potentially lowering barriers for small and medium-sized enterprises involved in the yarn and garment supply chain.
Imports Surge 17.8% Driven by Industrial Demand
Imports into Uzbekistan rose by 17.8% to $29.6 billion between January and July 2026. The increase is attributed to strong demand for machinery and industrial goods, reflecting ongoing modernization efforts within the country's manufacturing sectors, including textiles. This surge underscores the capital-intensive nature of Uzbekistan’s push toward higher-value-added production.
Local view
Local stakeholders are focusing on the operational readiness for the harvest season. UzDaily reports that Namangan is mobilizing significant mechanical resources, emphasizing the shift towards modern, efficient harvesting techniques. Meanwhile, Gazeta notes the government's scrutiny of regional import-export imbalances, with President Mirziyoyev criticizing governors in regions where imports significantly outpace exports, urging a deeper analysis of local industrial capacity to close these gaps.
Context & numbers
- Trade Turnover: $49.5 billion (Jan–Jul 2026), up 8.1% YoY.
- Import Growth: 17.8% YoY, reaching $29.6 billion.
- Non-Gold Export Growth: +27.7% YoY.
- Namangan Cotton Target: 254,500 tons from 48,800 hectares.
On the radar
- October 1 Customs Changes: Watch for implementation issues or benefits from the new VAT and tax offset rules for exporters.
- Harvest Monitoring: With the harvest starting, attention will turn to labor monitoring reports to ensure continued compliance with international standards, which remain critical for maintaining access to Western markets.
- Regional Trade Dynamics: Continued focus on Central Asian intra-regional trade balances, particularly as Uzbekistan seeks to reduce its trade deficit with neighbors.
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