Browse Data and Analysis

Uzbekistan is one of Central Asia’s fastest-growing consumer markets, powered by strong GDP growth (6.5 percent in 2024; 5.9 percent forecast in 2025) and a population rising by 1 million annually. Urbanization, a young middle class, and shifting consumer habits are driving rapid demand for modern retail, packaged foods, and convenience formats.

Central Asia is a diverse, important corner of the world and a growing market for U.S. goods. Agricultural imports from the world for Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Uzbekistan totaled $11.6 billion in 2023 and have nearly doubled over the last three years, with the United States as the 11th largest trade partner at $196 million.

South Asia, which includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, accounts for 24 percent of the world’s population, with 1.84 billion people in 2019.

Infrastructure developments and a growing number of modern retail outlets are improving the marketability of U.S.-style food, which is increasingly popular among Uzbekistan's younger generation.

Uzbekistan relies on imports of certain food products which are not locally produced in sufficient volumes, in order to meet the country’s growing demand.

Fruit and vegetable production and exports continue to grow in Uzbekistan. Russia’s import ban from Western countries may boost Uzbek exports to Russia.

Post forecasts MY14/15 lint production at 4.3 million bales. Generally favorable weather conditions are countered by irrigation water deficit in the South and some pest problems in several regions.

Due to drought and irrigation water deficit problems in the south, Post forecasts MY2014/15 wheat production at 7.15 MMT.