Uzbek Cotton and the Textile Push — 2026-10-23
Uzbekistan has surpassed its 2026 cotton harvest target, exceeding 103% of the plan with over 4.6 million tons collected by late October. This milestone coincides with a significant surge in textile exports, which rose 26.9% year-over-year to $2.1 billion in the first eight months of 2026. President Mirziyoyev emphasized that quantitative targets must not overshadow quality and sustainability, while new investments in clusters like Sulton Tex Group aim to deepen local processing capabilities.
Uzbek Cotton and the Textile Push — 2026-10-23
Top developments
Harvest Exceeds Targets with High Mechanization
As of October 22, 2026, Uzbekistan harvested 4.63 million tons of cotton, achieving 103% of the national plan. Notably, 76% of the harvest was collected using mechanized methods, signaling a continued shift away from manual labor. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that while the plan was exceeded, "numbers should not be the ultimate goal," stressing the need to focus on the quality of the raw material and the efficiency of the supply chain rather than just volume.
Textile Exports Surge 26.9%
Textile exports reached $2.1 billion between January and August 2026, a 26.9% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. Finished textile products accounted for 51% of these exports, highlighting the success of the government's policy to move from raw cotton sales to higher-value goods. This trend aligns with broader regional data showing Uzbekistan's growing share in Central Asian textile trade.
President Visits Sulton Tex Group, Orders Support
During a visit to the Kashkadarya region, President Mirziyoyev inspected the "Sulton Tex Group" textile cluster in the Kashkadarya Free Economic Zone. The company’s leader, Nurbek Ergashev, presented plans to expand production. The President instructed the government to prepare a resolution and facilitate financing through the National Bank to support the company's growth and resolve ongoing legal disputes.
Local view
Local media outlets such as Gazeta.uz and UzDaily have focused heavily on the President’s directive that quantitative metrics must not become an end in themselves. Gazeta.uz reported that the President emphasized the importance of understanding what stands behind the "numbers," suggesting a need for deeper structural reforms in the cotton sector beyond simply meeting tonnage targets. Meanwhile, UzDaily highlighted the specific contribution of mechanization, noting that the high percentage of machine-picked cotton is a key indicator of reduced labor risks and increased efficiency.
Context & numbers
- Harvest Volume: 4.63 million tons collected by Oct 22, 2026.
- Plan Completion: 103% of the national target achieved.
- Mechanization Rate: 76% of the harvest was mechanized.
- Export Growth: Textile exports rose 26.9% YoY to $2.1 billion (Jan-Aug 2026).
- Finished Goods Share: 51% of textile exports are finished products.
On the radar
- TURON Business Club Launch: The international business club TURON will officially open in Tashkent on October 27, 2026, under the Uzbek National Economic Cooperation Association (UzMIHU), potentially fostering new trade links.
- Vaqt Investitsiya Kompaniyasi Closure: The investment company Vaqt Investitsiya Kompaniyasi is suspending its activities as an investment intermediary. Clients have until October 30, 2026, to transfer their assets.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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