WNAM MONITORING: Experts from the Institute for Macroeconomic and Regional Studies (IMRS) under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan analyzed the country’s export structure for 2017-2024. The study was based on the methodology developed by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
According to this methodology, exported products are classified into six categories based on their level of technology and processing stage: primary commodities, processed primary products, low-tech products, medium-tech products, high-tech products, and unclassified goods.
The results of the analysis confirm that Uzbekistan has undergone significant qualitative changes in its export policy in recent years. In particular, the share of primary commodity exports has declined sharply, from 36.3% in 2017 to 17.3% in 2024. The main export items in this category were copper (30.96%), vegetables (18.6%), fruits and nuts (15.8%), natural gas (13.16%), as well as silver and other precious metals (5.7%).
At the same time, the export of processed products based on natural resources increased from 3.9% in 2017 to 8.4% in 2024. Leading goods in this group include mineral-based products, petroleum products, cement, grain flour, and inorganic salts.
The share of low-tech products has also increased, from 14.2% to 17.1%. Exports in this category are dominated by textile yarn, ready-made clothing, knitwear, and cotton fabrics. Notably, the growth in finished products reflects an expansion of deep processing in this segment.
The share of medium-tech products has remained relatively stable, at around 8%. This category primarily includes fertilizers, auto parts, polyethylene, internal combustion engines, and household appliances.
Significant growth has been recorded in the export of high-tech products: the share increased from 0.5% in 2017 to 1.5% in 2024. The main export item in this category is modern electrical equipment.
The analysis of the past seven years shows that the country’s export structure is gradually becoming more technologically advanced. There is an accelerating shift from raw material exports to finished goods, and industrialization is rising. These developments reflect the effectiveness of reforms to enhance Uzbekistan’s competitiveness in the international market and increase the share of high-value-added products in the national economy.
