Uzbekistan takes Central Asia’s lead in trade with Gulf

Uzbekistan has become Central Asia’s biggest trading partner for the Gulf states, with its exports almost keeping pace with imports.

Trade reached $1.75bn in 2025, nearly seven times its 2020 level, according to a Eurasian Development Bank report published on 10 November. Uzbekistan overtook Turkmenistan and accounted for about 45% of trade between Central Asia and the Gulf Cooperation Council.

Uzbek exports totalled $860mn, while imports were $890mn, leaving a gap of just $30mn. Across Central Asia, by contrast, purchases from the Gulf made up roughly 70% of two-way trade.

The balance also contrasts with Uzbekistan’s wider trading position. National statistics put its overall trade deficit at $13.5bn in 2025, with imports reaching $47.4bn and exports $33.8bn. Those national totals include services, while the EDB analysis covers goods.

Read more: Just two countries claim most of Central Asia’s trade and growth

Gulf trade runs through the UAE

Uzbekistan sells precious metals, mineral products and agricultural goods to the Gulf, buying electronics, machinery, aircraft and pharmaceutical and chemical products in return.

The UAE accounts for 94% of the Gulf’s trade with Central Asia. This regional figure reflects its role as a logistics and re-export centre, as well as a market in its own right.

More recent official reporting points to continued growth. Uzbekistan’s presidential office said on 16 October that bilateral trade with the UAE had risen 40% since the start of 2026, although it did not provide a dollar total or specify the comparison period.

Read more: EDB: Uzbekistan emerging as key Eurasian transport hub

More Uzbek firms in Dubai

Businesses are establishing a larger presence alongside those trade flows. By the end of 2025, Dubai’s chamber of commerce counted 826 active Uzbek member companies, up 21.3% over the year. Another 75 joined in the first half of 2026, Uzbekistan’s investment ministry said.

An Uzbekistan Business Council launched in Dubai in August aims to help companies find partners and develop trade and investment projects. The ministry also reported that more than 450 companies with Emirati capital operated in Uzbekistan.